Factors that influence user satisfaction: tracheotomised home mechanical ventilation users' experiences

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Patient Experience Research

Background:

• Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) supports vulnerable individuals with chronic disabilities.
• Users requiring 24/7 ventilation via tracheostomy represent a highly dependent and susceptible population.
• Understanding their lived experiences is crucial for advancing care and knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the self-reported life situation of individuals dependent on home mechanical ventilation (HMV) post-tracheotomy.
• To identify factors influencing user satisfaction with their care and life circumstances.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design utilizing in-depth interviews.
• Six participants dependent on home mechanical ventilation were interviewed.
• Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• A central theme identified was that diverse individual needs necessitate varied approaches.
• Key factors for satisfaction included tailored information, sensitive decision-making processes, and strong caregiver trust.
• Participants reported varied experiences with information provision and involvement in decisions regarding treatment, living arrangements, and daily life.

Conclusions:

• Participants emphasized the need for strategies to enhance satisfaction with care and life situation.
• Factors such as age, location, healthcare interactions, and family support influenced user experiences.
• Early and comprehensive information empowers patients, leading to greater satisfaction with treatment and overall life circumstances.
• There is a recognized gap in healthcare provider knowledge, highlighting the need for specialized training and clear guidelines.