“The Devices Themselves Aren’t the Problem”—Views of Patients and Their Relatives on Medical Technical Aid Supply in Home Mechanical Ventilation: An Explorative Qualitative Study

Abstract

(1) The supply of medical technical aids and the instructions on using them is critical for home-mechanically ventilated patients and their relatives. However, limited evidence exists on the needs-based nature of this care. (2) Aim: To gain insights into users’ views on this form of care, to identify key challenges, and to derive empirically sound preliminary recommendations for its future design. (3) Methods: An explorative qualitative interview study was performed in Germany. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with home-mechanically ventilated patients and their relatives. Patients were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a content analysis approach. (3) Results: 27 patients and 9 relatives were interviewed. From their point of view, ventilation-specific equipment is generally reliable and is seen as a belonging of the patient. However, if the patient lacks competence in using the technology or if information or instructions are neglected, ambiguous and unsafe situations easily arise. (4) Conclusions: The present study is one of the first to provide insights into technical aid supply in home-mechanical ventilation from the users’ point of view. It highlights the need for continuous professional support and for evidence-based educational strategies that promote safety among the users of technical aids in home care.

Quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory failure on home mechanical ventilation

“…Qualitative research has also been used to investigate patients’ and their caregivers’ experiences of HMV, typically employing purposive sampling and completion of semi-structured interviews to explore various aspects of HMV delivery. These may include barriers and facilitators to HMV adoption and adherence, technical needs and support [ 89 ] and the impact of HMV on household members and caregivers [ 90 ]. Common methods of analysing interview transcripts include thematic analysis, in which data codes are used to identify emerging themes [ 91 ], and framework analysis, in which data are organised by predefined constructs, summarised in a structured matrix output [ 92 ].…”