title: The experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the school-age child's perspective about living with a tracheostomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative design using phenomenological methods was used to describe and interpret the lived experiences of school-age children with a tracheostomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The perceptions of five children were explored, and three themes emerged: "I'm the only one," "friends are helpful," and "just tell them."
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data indicated that encouraging friendships with other children enhances the well-being of the child with a tracheostomy. In addition, data suggested that when schoolmates understand the experiences of children with tracheostomies, they are supportive of the child. Nurse practitioners are in a unique position to assist the child with a tracheostomy in the development of peer networks.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, North Georgia College and State University, Dahlonega, GA 30597, USA. rgspratling@northgeorgia.edu
authors.forename: Regena
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Spratling
authors.forename: Ptlene
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Minick
authors.forename: Myra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carmon
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data