Survival, Outcomes, and Use of Acuity Scoring Systems Following Tracheotomy in Veteran Patients.

The survival outcome for critically ill patients undergoing tracheotomy seems accurately predicted based on scoring systems designed for use in the general population of critically ill patients. Logistic Organ Dysfunction System may also be useful to predict the likelihood of the tracheotomy-related outcome of ventilator independence. This suggests that LODS scores may be helpful to palliative care clinicians as part of a shared decision-making aid in critically ill, ventilated patients for whom tracheotomy is being considered.