Caregiver learning needs and reactions to managing home mechanical ventilation

To identify caregivers' learning needs and reactions to providing care for adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the home. This report originated from a study that was undertaken to describe family function and reactions of family members.

Prospective, descriptive.

Data collected at clients' homes in a midwestern city.

Twenty caregivers and adult patients who are dependent on mechanical ventilation at home.

Patients and their caregivers completed family coping and family function instruments. Caregivers also completed a Learning Needs Checklist and a caregiving inventory.

The results indicate that caregivers, all relatives, provided an average of 7.3 hours per day direct care with little assistance from extended family or professionals. More disrupted schedules, financial strain, increased burden, and negative reaction to caregiving was associated with increasing ventilator hours per day. Family function was perceived as satisfactory by both patients and caregivers. Survival knowledge and skills were being taught, but additional information was needed by caregivers. There were no differences by gender in perceived learning needs, family function, or tasks of daily caregiving.

Preferences for types of information suggest the use of a three-phase teaching program that should be sensitive to individual learning needs. A variety of coping strategies were used by families to manage home mechanical ventilation including problem-solving and mobilizing help from friends, extended family, community, or church.