Tracheostomy Decision Making and Counseling: Comparing Providers’ and Caregivers’ Perspectives and Perceptions

The decision to place a tracheostomy in children is complex and involves factors beyond the medical procedure, including quality of life, values, and goals. Providers play an important role in counseling caregivers and guiding them through the decision-making process. There are no established guidelines for tracheostomy counseling, leading to variations in practice. Additionally, how caregivers receive information differs from how providers believe they deliver it. Although studies have explored caregivers' and providers' viewpoints, none have examined them concurrently.