Developing a competency-based curriculum for tracheostomy and ventilator care

Advances in technology and medical practice have enabled children with special health needs, such as tracheostomy and ventilator care, to be discharged to their families while continuing to require specialized care. Yet, corresponding increases in the availability and competence of home care providers have not kept pace with this trend. The authors set a goal to design, develop, implement, validate, and disseminate a competency-based curriculum to prepare adults to care for these children in the home and community. This article is Part 1 of a two-part series.