Mechanical ventilation in the home

Abstract

Despite advances in the application of mechanical ventilation as a short-term,, life-saving technique, intensive care units are increasingly faced with patients who cannot be weaned from ventilatory assistance and who require mechanical ventilation as a long-term, life-supporting necessity. Because limited resources in health care facilities for the management of chronic ventilator-assisted individuals, home care has become an important option. With careful selection of appropriate candidates, home care for ventilator-assisted individuals can result in not only decreased respiratory symptoms, reduction in hospitalization, and improved physiologic measures, but also an improved quality of life with substantial survival and a reduction in the costs of medical care.