Health-related quality of life of home ventilated patients (HoMe V) from a tertiary hospital in Singapore

Abstract

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is an established treatment of severe chronic respiratory failure from neuromuscular disorders, restrictive thoracic disease, obesity hypoventilation syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Life prolongation, symptom control, and improvement of patient well-being and function are some of the treatment goals. Hospitalisation rate is reduced once HMV is established.1 HMV patients, however, face unique challenges. HMV may affect a variety of physical and psychological health domains such as respiratory symptoms, limited mobility, anxiety, compromised social interaction and depression. The effects of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) on patient reported outcomes (PRO) varied depending on the underlying disorder.2 However, study quality in this area is poor and there remains many uncertainties as to which patient may benefit from HMV and how they may benefit.