Mortality and patient disposition after ICU tracheostomy for secretion management vs. prolonged ventilation: a retrospective cohort study

Tracheostomy indication may be an important determinant of short- and long-term patient-centered outcomes. Patients receiving a tracheostomy for secretion management were twice as likely to be discharged to a new institution compared to prolonged ventilation patients. Patient-centered outcomes should be included in future studies and if confirmed, these outcomes should be incorporated into discussions about tracheostomy decision making.