[Care for children with tracheostomy]

Abstract

Background: Modern technology has improved the quality of life for children with tracheostomy and home ventilators.

Material and methods: A "home ventilator team" at St. Olav University Hospital was responsible for 18 children with tracheostomy over a period of 2.5 years. The team serves as a link between different health care providers. A new educational programme for health care providers and parents is described.

Results and interpretation: Children with tracheostomy constitute a small, but professionally challenging group with a variety of health-related problems. In Norway it is not quite clear who is responsible for the care of these patients.