Perspectives of parents of home mechanically ventilated children on the supply of medical aids

Design: A qualitative interview study was performed to gain deeper insights into parents’ views and to derive sound recommendations for designing this form of care with the most common need for multiple medical aids (devices and accessories).

Methods: Twelve problem-centred interviews were conducted with parents of children receiving HMV and subjected to qualitative content analysis.

Results: Parents found ventilation-specific medical devices and accessories to be generally reliable, but not always well designed for children or well selected. Parents also identified challenges and problems regarding structural, procedural and personal aspects of the supply of medical aids. In particular, deficits in task performance and cooperation between stakeholders and involved healthcare institutions became apparent. When parents or home care nurses lacked competence in using the technology, unsafe situations easily arose.

Conclusion: The study highlighted the need for further developments in the supply of ventilation-associated medical aids. Furthermore, the need for qualified professionals and for educational strategies to promote safety amongst parents as users of medical aids in home care became clear.