Long-term ventilation in children part 1: an overview of care in non-specialist settings

Long-term ventilation (LTV) in children is increasingly common due to advances in neonatal and paediatric care and improved survival rates in children with complex conditions. LTV may be delivered invasively via a tracheostomy tube or non-invasively using a mask interface, across a range of settings including hospital wards and patients' homes. This article provides an overview of LTV, including definitions, types of ventilation, equipment and monitoring, and key aspects of daily nursing care. It also explores mobility and development, partnership with families and managing risk. Understanding the principles of LTV in children and their application in practice is essential for nurses to provide safe, effective and family-centred care for this growing population.