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A multidisciplinary approach to the care of the ventilator-dependent child at home: a case study

Deborah S Boroughs1, Joan Dougherty

  • 1Ventilator Assisted Children's Home Program (VACHP), Pennsylvania Department of Health Program, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1454, USA. boroughs@email.chop.edu

Home Healthcare Nurse
|December 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Most families can safely manage children on mechanical ventilation at home with a multidisciplinary professional team. The Pennsylvania Ventilator Assisted Children's Home Program (VACHP) demonstrates the success of this coordinated approach for home care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care
  • Home healthcare management
  • Family-centered support services

Background:

  • Approximately 4,300 children in the U.S. require home mechanical ventilation.
  • Home management presents significant challenges for families.
  • A multidisciplinary professional team is crucial for successful home care.

Observation:

  • The Pennsylvania Ventilator Assisted Children's Home Program (VACHP) coordinates care for children on mechanical ventilation.
  • VACHP advocates for community-based family support.
  • This case study highlights the VACHP model.

Findings:

  • Multidisciplinary team support enables families to provide safe and enriching home care.
  • Coordinated care is essential for children requiring mechanical ventilation at home.
  • Effective home management relies on integrated professional and family support.

Implications:

  • Home mechanical ventilation is a viable option for many children with appropriate support.
  • Statewide programs can improve outcomes for children requiring complex home care.
  • The VACHP model offers a framework for enhancing pediatric home healthcare services.

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