The decannulation process in children

Decannulation in children is a difficult process because of associated morbidity and psychological factors. In a collaborative effort, physicians and nurses play a vital role in determining a child's readiness and in preparing the family. The actual process that the physician will use to decannulate a child depends on the reason for which the child was tracheostomized. This article discusses the assessment necessary to determine readiness for decannulation, the preparation of the child and the family, and the variations in the actual methodology.