[Home mechanical ventilation for children in Japan].
Children who require prolonged respiratory support often have to spend their whole lives in the hospital. It is important, however, to have time with their families in their own homes. Home mechanical ventilation can make it possible. In Japan, at present, there are probably more than 100 cases in which home mechanical ventilation is being used for children. We have had experience with twelve cases of home mechanical ventilation. By using a transport respirator for these children, there have been excursions 96 times and home stays 123 times. Three of these children could be released for home stay completely. Before taking the patients out of hospital, the patients received training in nursing procedures and in skillful use of the ventilator and equipment. Home mechanical ventilation was, thereby, managed successfully by the family members. Our experience revealed that home mechanical ventilation accelerated social and emotional development of these children, especially patients with neuro-muscular diseases. However, there are also many difficulties such as limitations in regard to social services and support systems, financial and educational problems, etc. Problems related to finances and support systems are the major concerns for the families. It is important to find a way out of these difficulties from the perspective of more human medicine and of quality of life. These problems should be resolved through the government support and social services. In the near future, home mechanical ventilation for children will be probably an important part of pediatrics in Japan.
Shimada
S
S
Department of Pediatrics, Yodogawa Christian Hospital, Osaka, Japan.
D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation