Parents' experiences of their children's medical journeys with tracheostomies: A Focus Group Study

Children living with a tracheostomy have among the most complex medical care needs in Canada. The focus of this study was to gain a contemporary understanding of key aspects of these children's medical journeys.

We conducted a qualitative constructivist grounded theory study using semi-structured focus groups with parents whose children are living in the community with a tracheostomy. Parents were recruited from the Stollery Children's Hospital Tracheostomy Clinic, which serves a geographically wide and diverse population.

Three focus groups were completed, including a total of 12 participants. Key themes leading up to tracheostomy related to contextual understanding, experiences of inclusion, and perceptions of proportionality. Parents discussed the preparedness for how a tracheostomy would affect their child, their own involvement in recovery, and the education needed for their child's medical care. Navigating hospital units related to inconsistencies in care, accommodations of families' needs, and confidence in care received. Finally, living in the community was the focus of much of the participants' discussions including coping with system-related issues, limited homecare and medical support, cost of care, and connections with the broader community of parents of children with complex medical needs. All themes encircled the family's deeply felt responsibility to care for their child.

From both patient- and family-centered care perspectives, there exist individual and systemic issues related to the care delivery for children with a tracheostomy. It is in particular in the community where there is a severe deficiency of support afforded to these children and their families.