Originally published on December 1, 2010 G.J. asks, "When patients with a tracheostomy are discharged home, what do they need to know to take care of themselves?" Answer: Patients and families who are being discharged with a new tracheostomy need a great deal of teaching in order to become comfortable with their care. Ideally, this

An Italian study (Clini et al., 2011) followed 77 tracheostomy patients who were determined to be difficult to wean from mechanical ventilation.  A physical training program began 48 hours after admission to their regional weaning center.  The program consisted of active movement of the limbs, interventions focusing on trunk control, body posture, upper and lower