Large Language Models as Health Information Tools: Patient Use and Trust in Otolaryngology.

Tracheostomy is a common and critical intervention for maintaining airway patency in critically ill patients admitted to respiratory intensive care units (RICUs). It facilitates airway management, supports prolonged mechanical ventilation and often accelerates the weaning process (Durbin Jr. ; Stelfox et al. ). Although advances in critical care have improved survival rates among tracheostomized patients, their post‐RICU recovery remains complex, often involving significant family caregiver participation and support. The transition from a highly monitored RICU environment to general wards or home care constitutes a particularly vulnerable period for both patients and caregivers. For tracheostomized patients, the transition from the RICU to the general ward or home represents a critical stage during which family caregivers are expected to assume increasing responsibilities in daily care, symptom observation, communication with healthcare staff and basic tracheostomy‐related care. Caregiving responsibilities may differ by transition destination: after transfer to the general ward, caregivers are mainly involved in bedside observation, basic tracheostomy care and communication with the ward healthcare team; after transfer directly home, they may need to undertake broader responsibilities, including tracheostomy care, nutritional support, observation of warning signs and communication with healthcare providers after discharge (Danesh et al. ). During this time, family caregivers, who often assume the primary role in providing daily care, face considerable physical, emotional and psychological challenges (Griffith et al. ; Gunnlaugsdóttir et al. ). Particularly for tracheostomized patients, the complexity of airway management, nutritional support and mobility assistance imposes substantial demands on caregivers. Without adequate preparation and nursing support, caregivers may experience heightened stress, anxiety and a sense of helplessness, which can adversely affect patient recovery (Picard et al. ). Family caregivers are indispensable to the continuity of post‐ICU care. Nevertheless, numerous studies have highlighted significant gaps in caregiver education, emotional support and skill preparedness during ICU discharge planning (Picard et al. ; Al‐Mutair et al. ). Caregivers frequently report feelings of unpreparedness, insufficient communication with healthcare providers and lack of clear guidance regarding the patient's evolving care needs (Stricker et al. ). These challenges are even more pronounced among caregivers of tracheostomized patients, given the technical nature of airway management and the potential for life‐threatening complications if care is improperly administered.