Living at home on a ventilator.

Abstract

This study was undertaken to explore the perspectives of patients living at home on a ventilator. Understanding their perspectives could be helpful for planning education programs to prepare them for discharge as well as supporting them once they are at home. Analysis of audiotaped interviews with eight individuals revealed themes concerning skill in managing equipment, need for organization and planning, variations in necessary assistance, experiencing an emotional roller coaster, struggles with changing lifestyle, holding a positive attitude, the ventilator as an extension of self and preferences for the home environment.