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. 2012 Mar;26(2):118-25.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2010.07.005. Epub 2010 Aug 12.

The experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy

Regena Spratling  1 , Ptlene Minick, Myra Carmon
Affiliations

The experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy

Regena Spratling et al. J Pediatr Health Care. 2012 Mar.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the school-age child's perspective about living with a tracheostomy.

Design and methods: A qualitative design using phenomenological methods was used to describe and interpret the lived experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy.

Results: The perceptions of five children were explored, and three themes emerged: "I'm the only one," "friends are helpful," and "just tell them."

Conclusions: Data indicated that encouraging friendships with other children enhances the well-being of the child with a tracheostomy. In addition, data suggested that when schoolmates understand the experiences of children with tracheostomies, they are supportive of the child. Nurse practitioners are in a unique position to assist the child with a tracheostomy in the development of peer networks.

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