Improvements in technology in the past 30 years have enabled those who cannot breathe on their own to continue living in their homes. Home ventilators are getting smaller and ventilation can be supported by interfaces such as nasal masks and mouthpieces, in addition to tracheostomies. In BC there are now about 700 such individuals able to live in their own homes. The Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program (PROP) provides a 24 hour service with experienced Respiratory Therapists available to support the members.
By allowing people to stay in their homes, it improves their quality of life and markedly reduces costs compared to being in hospital. Those with chronic conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, or spinal cord injury are also helped in this way. Our group has completed clinical research to improve outcomes for this population and have participated in guideline development.
Research
Our group helped develop national guidelines outlining evidence based best practices for this patient population. PROP has allowed us to adhere to these guidelines. With the PROP database, we have explored quality of life for both those on home mechanical ventilation and their care providers. This has been done in collaboration with other groups across Canada and internationally. We have investigated ways to reduce the rate of progression of the restrictive lung disease and optimal strategies to facilitate airway clearance ie. removal of secretions. Recent advances in home monitoring have allowed the medical team to see how the home ventilation is working and has reduced the need for unnecessary medical visits. As a result, with the pandemic, patient care has been supported.
Care
There is a chronic hypoventilation outpatient clinic that receives referrals from around the province. There are physicians with expertise in home ventilation at this center. One of us is also the medical director of PROP and reviews referrals to the program from around the province. Policies and procedures regarding care of PROP members is a key function. PROP strongly encourages input from the Ventilator users and they have a very important voice in PROPs policies and program development.
Research
Our group helped develop national guidelines outlining evidence based best practices for this patient population. PROP has allowed us to adhere to these guidelines. With the PROP database, we have explored quality of life for both those on home mechanical ventilation and their care providers. This has been done in collaboration with other groups across Canada and internationally. We have investigated ways to reduce the rate of progression of the restrictive lung disease and optimal strategies to facilitate airway clearance ie. removal of secretions. Recent advances in home monitoring have allowed the medical team to see how the home ventilation is working and has reduced the need for unnecessary medical visits. As a result, with the pandemic, patient care has been supported.
Care
There is a chronic hypoventilation outpatient clinic that receives referrals from around the province. There are physicians with expertise in home ventilation at this center. One of us is also the medical director of PROP and reviews referrals to the program from around the province. Policies and procedures regarding care of PROP members is a key function. PROP strongly encourages input from the Ventilator users and they have a very important voice in PROPs policies and program development.