ATUALIZAÇÕES DOS CUIDADOS DE ENFERMAGEM A PACIENTES PORTADORES DE TRAQUEOSTOMIA: ÊNFASE EM SEGURANÇA, QUALIDADE DA ASSISTÊNCIA E PREVENÇÃO DE COMPLICAÇÕES

Tracheostomy is indicated in situations such as upper airway obstruction, prolonged mechanical ventilation, facial and neurological injuries, and to facilitate bronchial higiene and aspiration of secretions. Despite the clinical benefits, inadequate tracheostomy management can lead to early and late complications, requiring the nursing team to have technical knowledge, evidencebased practice, and a systematized approach. This study aimed to analyze updates regarding nursing care provided to patients with tracheostomies, with an emphasis on patient safety, quality of care, and prevention of complications. This is an integrative literature review, conducted in six methodological steps. The search was carried out in the Virtual Health Library, using the descriptors "Tracheostomy", "Nursing care", "Suction", "Continuing education", and "Postoperative complications". Articles and theses published between 2015 and 2025, available in full, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, were included. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight studies were selected, five of which were analyzed in full. The data were organized into three thematic areas: clinical practice and comprehensive care; continuing education and educational technology; and development and implementation of care protocols. The results showed that evidence-based nursing care, adequate airway aspiration, cuff monitoring, infection prevention, and stoma surveillance were essential for the safety of tracheostomized patients. The importance of continuing education and the use of active methodologies improved professional skills. Furthermore, the implementation of standardized care protocols proved fundamental to improving the quality of care and reducing adverse events. It is concluded that nursing care for tracheostomized patients should integrate qualified clinical practice, continuing education, and institutional protocols, strengthening professional performance and promoting safe, humanized, and high-quality care.