[Chronic dependence on mechanical pulmonary ventilation in pediatric care: a necessary debate for Brazil's Unified Health System].
People with prolonged dependence on mechanical ventilation require permanent care and the use of equipment that can result in longer term hospital internment. This can lead to difficulty of access for patients with acute injuries, as well as personal difficulties and stress with reduced quality of life for their families or caregivers due to such longer hospital internment. This critical review of publications dealing with dependence on mechanical ventilation among children and adolescents aimed at making information organized in a systematic manner available in order to support discussion on the subject. It should be borne in mind that changes in epidemiological profile and growing technological access determine needs such as intensive therapy hospital beds and complex home care for chronic patients, which still have limits of supply and regulatory restrictions in the Brazilian public health system.
Pós-Graduação em Saúde da Criança e da Mulher, Instituto Fernandes Figueira, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ. mtfdacosta@gmail.com
Maria Tereza Fonseca da
MT
Costa
Maria Auxiliadora
MA
Gomes
Márcia
M
Pinto
D000293:Adolescent; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors