Best practice in the care of patients with a tracheostomy.

This article examines the development of a best practice statement on the care of patients with a tracheostomy. It outlines key elements of care, including the context in which care is given. This best practice statement is part of a series of such documents produced by the former Scottish Nursing and Midwifery Practice Development Unit, which has now merged with four other clinical effectiveness organisations to form NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHSQIS).