Christopher Hartnick, MD and Kevin Callans, RN Pediatric ENT at MGHfC/MEEI





1 / 13





An MD provides overview of conditions when a trach would be considered



Trach: the outcome for the child, outcome for the parents. The two parents aren’t always on the same page.



An MD describes trach surgery and immediate post-op



A nurse: The hardest part about caring for a child at home with a trach is that it’s 24/7



Considering a trach: The parents’ threshold to -- see their child struggle breathing; to manage the trach.



Decision-Making: the gift of time to figure out what your child needs and what you can handle. (CPAP vs Trach)



Googling images of babies with trachs – Can I imagine that for my child?



A mom to medical providers: “For you, you do it all day long. For us, our world just got turned upside down.”



Shared Decision-Making: Parent and Provider (Trach)



Decision-making re Trach: CPAP and doing everything possible not to get a trach for our daughter.



A mom on every night with the CPAP (not Trach): parents learn what they can tolerate.



Apnea, aspiration: Suddenly learning my baby is having trouble breathing, and we don’t know why



Decision Making about the trach: Would talking to another parent be helpful?



• 1
• 2
• 3

Can we help you:

Advocate for your child

Strengthen family and other relationships

Support your patient families and colleagues

Follow Us!