Pediatric patients with home mechanical ventilation: The health services landscape

Transitioning medically complex infants home: lessons learned from quality improvement efforts

OBJECTIVE

Decrease: 1) time from tracheostomy or gastrostomy tube placement to discharge home, and 2) avoidable readmissions within 7 days post-discharge, for medically complex infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Five neonatology units and representatives from Medicaid and Managed Care Organizations participated. Measures included length of stay (LOS) from surgery to discharge, readmissions, and time from surgery to identifying home nursing. We used statistical process control (SPC) methods and bivariate tests for post-hoc before-after comparisons.

RESULT

Among 421 infants, no avoidable readmissions occurred in the final 25 months. LOS and all-cause readmissions were unchanged (SPC). LOS changes were variable, ranging from -39.5 days (tracheostomy and ventilator) to +30.8 days (tracheostomy without ventilator) and not significant. Median time to identify home nursing was 70.1 days (range 2-428).

CONCLUSION

Although lack of skilled home nursing precluded improving transitions from NICU to home in medically complex infants, all avoidable readmissions were eliminated for 25 months.

Care Utilization for Acute Respiratory Infections in Children Requiring Invasive Long-Term Mechanical Ventilation

INTRODUCTION

Children who use invasive long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) are a rare, clinically heterogenous population with relatively high hospitalization rates, most commonly for acute respiratory infection (ARI). We sought to describe patterns of ARI-related utilization and mortality in pediatric patients with LTMV, evaluating the association of a pre-existing neurologic diagnoses with outcomes.

METHODS

We studied a longitudinal retrospective cohort across 40 U.S. children's hospital emergency department (ED) and hospital encounters for patients (< 21 years) with LTMV and an ARI diagnosis code (10/1/2016-6/30/2023). We examined mortality and ED/hospital utilization outcomes, defining short-stay hospitalizations as ≤ 2 calendar days. We stratified analyses by high intensity neurologic impairment (HINI) using a validated coding algorithm.

RESULTS

We included 4866 patients (median age 4.5 years; 58.6% male) with LTMV and ≥ 1 ARI encounter. Most (95.1%) were hospitalized on their index encounter, and among those most received intensive care (71.7%). 4.1% died during the index hospitalization (5.3% with HINI vs. 1.3% without HINI, p < 0.001). Median hospital length of stay was 6 days (interquartile range 3-12). Short stay hospitalizations occurred in 16.9% overall but were as high as 26.6% in children without HINI. ED return visits within 1 year occurred in 60.7%; ARI was the most common reason (40.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric patients using LTMV presenting for ED care with ARI are almost always hospitalized, usually in an intensive care setting. Overall, outcomes were poorer for those with HINI than those without HINI. More precision is needed to align resources with illness severity and comorbidities to improve ARI outcomes.

Medical and social factors associated with prolonged length of stay for chronically ventilated children

OBJECTIVES

This study seeks to determine the overall and post-intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) for children with tracheostomies and chronic mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that medical and social factors would be associated with prolonged LOS.

STUDY DESIGN

This single-center retrospective review included children who were discharged after initiation of chronic ventilation via tracheostomy over an 8-year period (2015-2022). Patients were divided into two groups for analysis, those who had been previously home before admission (HBA) and those who had not (Not HBA). Medical and social determinants of health (SDOH) data were obtained from the electronic medical record for univariate and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients were included. HBA subjects (n = 52) were expectedly older at the time of tracheostomy. Not HBA subjects (n = 109) were more likely to be born prematurely and have sequelae of premature birth. Overall and post-ICU LOS increased for both groups during the study period. In the HBA subgroup, congenital heart disease and younger age were associated with longer overall LOS with these factors and the absence of gastric fundoplication being associated with longer post-ICU LOS. For Not HBA patients, younger age, pulmonary hypertension, seizures, and several SDOH were associated with longer overall LOS, whereas only SDOH were associated with a longer post-ICU LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall and post-ICU LOS for all children hospitalized for tracheostomy and chronic mechanical ventilation are increasing. Prolonged LOS is significantly associated with several medical factors and SDOH.

Family Caregiver Knowledge in the Outpatient Management of Pediatric Tracheostomy-Related Emergencies

Tracheostomy-related emergencies (TREs) contribute significantly to preventable mortality. The retention of caregiver knowledge and skills acquired through simulation-based training (SBT) is unknown. This study aimed to assess the management of TREs by caregivers who did and did not receive SBT. A questionnaire containing 3 TRE scenarios and frequency of outpatient TREs was administered to 52 caregivers of children with tracheostomies; 34 caregivers had completed SBT. Most caregivers (80%) reported ≥1 TRE since discharge. Only 46% of caregivers answered all 3 TRE questions correctly. No differences were observed in correct responses for accidental decannulation (p = .16), oxygen desaturation (p = .84), and mucus plugging (p = .16) based on the completion of SBT. There were no differences between duration since SBT completion and correct responses for all 3 TRE questions. Caregivers showed knowledge deficiencies in TRE management regardless of SBT completion or duration since SBT. Periodic reassessment of knowledge may create targeted re-education opportunities for TRE management.

The Association between Home Health Nursing and 30-Day Hospital Readmission after Tracheostomy in Children: A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study

To identify the association between home health nursing (HHN) and hospital readmissions for patients discharged after tracheostomy placement, we conducted a single-center prospective cohort study of children ages 0 to 21 years who underwent tracheostomy placement at Children's Hospital Los Angeles between 12/2016 and 2/2023 and were discharged to home. We collected demographic, clinical, and discharge variables for the index hospitalization to test the association between our primary exposure, HHN after discharge, and 30-day same-hospital all-cause, adjusting for potential confounders. Our population of 130 children was primarily male, of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and on public insurance. The majority of patients (57%) received HHN on discharge and the 30-day readmission rate was 14.6%. On multivariable analysis, HHN was not associated with readmission for children discharged on home mechanical ventilation [HMV; adjusted OR (aOR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.30-4.02)] but was associated with lower odds of all-cause 30-day readmission in children discharged without HMV (aOR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.02-0.81). Our findings support consideration for HHN as a hospital-to-home bridge for children after tracheostomy placement to decrease hospital readmissions and support parents and caregivers during this transition period.

An investigation of the effect of the universal model of family-centered care on patient and family outcomes in patients under home invasive mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

The number of patients under home mechanical ventilation is increasing worldwide. The unique nature of these patients and their complex health needs exposes home caregivers to various needs and challenges regarding different dimensions of care.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of the universal model of family-centered care on the clinical outcomes of the patient and the family.

METHODS

This clinical trial was conducted between 2020 and 2021. A total of 60 patients under invasive mechanical ventilation was selected and divided into control (routine training that is usually given by hospital staff to families to care for patients) and intervention (comprehensive pre-discharge training program to post-discharge follow-up using the universal model of family-centered care) groups using random block design and universal model of family-centered care. Home caregivers' functional skills and burden, as well as patients' readmission and mortality rates, were compared in the two groups.

RESULTS

Implementing the intervention 1 and 3 months later effectively increased home caregivers' functional skills. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the psychological burden of caregiving (P < .001); the implementation of the intervention could highly reduce the psychological burden of caregiving in the intervention group (EF = 0.94). The hospital readmission and mortality rate in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the significant impact of the universal model of family-centered care on the clinical outcomes of the patient and the family, pre-discharge training and its post-discharge follow-up and continuity of education with an active presence of nurses, as one of the main pillars of the treatment, seems essential.

Parent perspectives on education to support hospital discharge for children with invasive mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Children with invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) often live at home, but for safety, parents must be prepared to assume primary responsibility for all aspects of their child's medically complex care. Prior studies have described discharge education programs, however often without perspectives of parents with lived experience transitioning home.

PURPOSE

To describe parent perspectives on hospital-based education for discharging home a child with IMV.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A secondary qualitative analysis of 23 parent interviews between February 2019 to January 2022 on topics related to caring for a child with IMV. Each interview was coded independently and discussed to consensus. Data from codes related to parent education and training were analyzed to identify themes and sub-themes.

RESULTS

Parents of 23 children with IMV participated in the primary interviews a month after hospital discharge. Four main themes in the secondary dataset were identified: (1) Training context: The hospital can be a stressful and difficult learning environment; (2) Training characteristics: Parents receive thorough training from interdisciplinary providers; (3) Learner characteristics: Parents are motivated learners who independently seek out knowledge; (4) Post-discharge education: Parents gain confidence in their expertise after navigating an emergency.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents who have transitioned from hospital-to-home describe sufficiently detailed hospital-based education; many felt trained as capably as nurses. However, parents experienced in-hospital training as inflexible and stressful.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Parents of children with IMV are eager learners but parent education is not always family-centered. Reforming the hospital learning environment to match parent needs will improve family experiences and training.

Low-Resource Hospital Days for Children Following New Tracheostomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Children with new tracheostomy and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) require transitional care involving caregiver education and nursing support. To better understand hospital resource use during this transition, our study aimed to: (1) define and characterize low-resource days (LRDs) for this population and (2) identify factors associated with LRD occurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis included children ≤21 years with new tracheostomy and IMV dependence admitted to an ICU from 2017 to 2022 using the Pediatric Health Information System database. A LRD was defined as a post tracheostomy day that accrued nonroom charges <10% of each patient's accrued nonroom charges on postoperative day 1. Factors associated with LRDs were analyzed using negative binomial regression.

RESULTS

Among 4048 children, median post tracheostomy stay was 69 days (interquartile range 34-127.5). LRDs were common: 38.6% and 16.4% experienced ≥1 and ≥7 LRDs, respectively. Younger age at tracheostomy (0-7 days rate ratio [RR] 2.42 [1.67-3.51]; 8-28 days RR 1.8 (1.2-2.69) versus 29-365 days; Asian race (RR 1.5 [1.04-2.16]); early tracheostomy (0-7 days RR 1.56 [1.2-2.04]), and longer post tracheostomy hospitalizations (31-60 days RR 1.85 [1.44-2.36]; 61-90 days RR 2.14 [1.58-2.91]; >90 days RR 2.21 [1.71-2.86]) were associated with more LRDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately 1 in 6 children experienced ≥7 LRDs. Younger age, early tracheostomy, Asian race, and longer hospital stays were associated with increased risk of LRDs. Understanding the postacute phase, including bed utilization, serves as an archetype to explore care models for children with IMV dependence.

Arrangement of residence before hospital discharge for children on home-invasive mechanical ventilation

Children on long-term home mechanical ventilation are a growing population due to clinical and technological advances and the benefit for the child's quality of life. Invasive home ventilation is one of the most complex therapies offered in the home setting, requiring adequate home environment and appropriate equipment and supplies before discharge. The transition from hospital to home represents a vulnerable period that can be facilitated with an established transition plan with multidisciplinary team involvement. Readiness for home care is achieved when the patient is stable and has been transitioned from a critical care ventilator to a home mechanical ventilator. In parallel, comprehensive competency-based training regarding the knowledge and skills needed to help families use the equipment confidently and safely. Before discharge, families should be counseled on an adequate home environment to ensure a safe transition. The residence arrangement may include physical space modifications, verifying electrical installation, or moving to another home. Durable medical equipment and supplies must be ordered, and community healthcare support arranged. Parents should receive practical advice on setting up the equipment at home and on preventive measures to minimize complications related to tracheostomy and ventilator dependence, including regular maintenance and replacement of necessary equipment. Given the overall impact of invasive ventilation on home life, a structured home care action package is essential to alleviate the burdens involved.

The follow-up of children on home invasive mechanical ventilation after hospital discharge

The number of children on home invasive mechanical ventilation (HIMV) has been increasing because it is a cost-effective strategy, the developments in technological tools, and its psychological and developmental advantages. Therefore, healthcare providers should be familiar with the follow-up of these patients after hospital discharge. This review will highlight the important points to be aware of during home care of children on HIMV, emphasizing the frequency of scheduled hospital visits after hospital discharge, recognizing adverse events related to HIMV, and ensuring the continued care of these children in areas such as vaccination, and performing appropriate tests in the follow-up.

Current state of home health in children with medical complexity

BACKGROUND

Home health services are a right for children in the US, but higher survival rates of extremely preterm infants have led to an increase in children with medical complexity (CMC) and therefore an increased demand for home health services. Unfortunately, an adequately trained and compensated workforce to support medially complex children at home does not exist.

METHODS

After identifying the existing research, common themes were identified. This article was written to give an overview of these themes and highlight specific supporting data.

RESULTS

A lack of resources in the home health arena and the financial barriers that accompany them, as well as the clear impact this issue has on the health and well-being of families and caregivers, were frequently present in the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Reasonable next steps for research and advocacy include a focus on recruitment and retention of home health nurses, as well as training specific to the level of skill required to adequately care for CMC. Further research is needed, as in our search we found several unexplored, unassessed avenues that could help health care professionals understand the problem more fully. These steps are necessary if we want CMC to live the healthiest life available to them.

Outcomes for Pediatric Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients Who Undergo Tracheostomy Placement: A Pediatric Health Information System Database Cohort Study, 2009-2020

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiology, surgical complications, and long-term outcomes after tracheostomy in pediatric oncology and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients in U.S. Children's Hospitals.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort from the Pediatric Health information System (PHIS) database, 2009-2020.

SETTING

The PHIS dataset incorporates data from 48 pediatric hospitals in the Children's Hospital Association.

PATIENTS

Patients 0-21 years old with an oncologic diagnosis and/or underwent HSCT, received a tracheostomy, and were discharged from hospital between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were 1061 patients included in the dataset, and 217 (20.5%) had undergone HSCT. The annual prevalence in tracheostomy usage did not change over the study period. The majority of patients (62.2%) underwent tracheostomy early (< 30 d) in the admission and those who underwent the procedure later (> 90 d) had a significant increase in mortality (52.6% vs. 17.6%; p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (MV) at discharge (51.9% vs. 24.5%; p < 0.001) compared with the early tracheostomy patients. Complications reported included tracheostomy site bleeding (< 1%) and infection (24%). The overall rate of MV at discharge was 32.6% and significantly associated with chronic lung (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.03-2.32) and acute lung disease (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.19-3.98). The overall rate of mortality was 19.6% within the cohort and significantly associated with HSCT (OR, 5.45; 95% CI, 3.88-7.70), diagnosis of sepsis (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.28-3.41), and requirement for renal replacement therapy (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.58-4,83).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a static prevalence of tracheostomy placement in the cohort population relative to the increasing trends in other reported groups. Regardless of underlying diagnosis, the study patients incurred substantial morbidity and mortality. However, tracheostomy specific complication rates were comparable with that of the general pediatric population and were not associated with increased odds of mortality within this population.

Challenges and recommendations for advancing respite care for families of children and youth with special health care needs: A qualitative exploration

INTRODUCTION

Caring for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) is a significant undertaking for families. While respite care is intended to address this burden, demand continues to exceed supply. Exploring the perspectives of respite service providers (SPs) and stakeholders (SKs) provides unique insight into families' needs and respite care systems.

METHODS

We conducted semistructured interviews with 41 respite care SPs and SKs across four Canadian provinces to ascertain perspectives on current and ideal respite care for families of CYSHCN. The analysis included delineating units of meaning from the data, clustering units of meaning to form thematic statements and extracting themes. The second-level analysis involved applying themes and subthemes to cross-functional process maps.

FINDINGS

Participants noted the critical, but sometimes absent role of Community Service Workers, who have the ability to support families accessing and navigating respite care systems. SPs and SKs identified current respite systems as operating in crisis mode. New findings suggest an ideal respite care system would incorporate advocacy for families, empower families and value CYSHCN, their families and respite workers.

CONCLUSION

The evidence of unmet respite care needs of families of CYSHCN across Canada has long been available. Our findings identifying respite system challenges and solutions can be used by funders and policymakers for planning and enhancing resources, and by healthcare professionals, respite care providers and SKs to understand barriers and take action to improve respite outcomes to meet the respite needs of all families and CYSHCN.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The research team is composed of patients, researchers, clinicians and decision-makers along with our Family Advisory Committee (FAC) composed of members of families of CYSHNC. The FAC was formed and met regularly with research team members, knowledge users and collaborators throughout the study to provide input on design, review themes and ensure findings are translated and disseminated in a meaningful way.

Child Health and the Pediatric Pulmonology Workforce: 2020-2040

There is concern as to whether the supply of pediatric pulmonology (PULM) subspecialists will be adequate to meet future demand. As part of an American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Foundation-sponsored supplement investigating the future of the pediatric subspecialty workforce, this article assesses the current PULM clinical workforce and estimates the clinical workforce supply in the United States through 2040. The current workforce was assessed using ABP certification and Maintenance of Certification data, and a workforce supply model evaluating population growth, clinical effort, and geographic trends was developed after incorporating ABP data. Findings demonstrate that the number of pediatric pulmonologists has gradually increased over the past decade, and the ratio of subspecialists to children is likely to increase another 20% to 40% over the next 2 decades, although absolute numbers remain small. Geographic variation in access will persist in some regions. The proportion of women in the discipline has increased, but the proportion of pediatric pulmonologists from underrepresented in medicine backgrounds still lags behind the general population. Based on current trends, the PULM clinical workforce appears equipped to meet both population growth and the modest increase in demand for clinical services speculated to occur because of changes in the subspecialty's clinical portfolio. However, several factors could inhibit growth, and geographic maldistribution may continue to impact care access. Efforts to address variation in access and demographic diversity in the field are warranted. This article concludes by discussing the training, clinical practice, policy, and future workforce research implications of the data presented.

The care burden for technology-dependent children with long-term home ventilation increases along with the improvement of their motor functions

Since the establishment of Japan's publicly supported pediatric home medical care (PHMC) system in 2012, the number of technology-dependent children (TDC) who are supported by PHMC has been increasing. We expected care to become easier as TDC mobility increased. However, many family caregivers complained of the opposite, that the burden of care increased as TDC's mobility increased. Therefore, we aimed to study the problems of the care burden of families in relation to the improvement of mobility of TDC with a focus on respiratory support. We conducted a survey among caregivers of TDC in two parts: a first survey was done between 2018 and 2020, and a follow-up survey in 2023. In each medical procedure, the correlation of TDC's motor function level with care burden was analyzed by using correlation analysis. In 15 households, caregivers' activities were monitored to elucidate the problems of the care objectively. The second survey was conducted in February 2023 in TDC whose medical records were available. Analysis of 418 cases showed that care-burden increased with improvements in the children's motor ability in tracheostomy, or remained the same in other procedures. A follow-up study in 262/418 cases of this group showed that part of these TDC with high mobility aged 1-8, after passing through the mobile phase with increased burden of care, had a high potential to be weaned from medical devices.  Conclusion: For TDC who acquire motor skills during PHMC, the burden of care for caregivers either increases or remains the same. It is important to maintain social support for TDC on the recovering mobile stage. What is Known: • There was no clear information on the care burden when TDC become mobile. What is New: • We did a qualitative study to show that the care burden increases when TDC become mobile. • In addition, mobike TDC showed a high potential for recovery.

Can addressing family education improve outcomes of patients under home invasive mechanical ventilation? A randomized controlled clinical trial

The use of home mechanical ventilation is increasingly developing. The present study aimed to examine the effect of a family-centered training program on patients under home invasive mechanical ventilation. A total of 60 adult patients under invasive mechanical ventilation were selected and randomly allocated into two groups. The supportive home care program consisting of six training sessions using a teach-back technique and follow up training at home. The rate of hospital readmission and mortality in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group(P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). Moreover, the home caregivers' level of knowledge in the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P = 0/000). In addition, implementing the intervention effectively increased home caregivers' ability of functional skills. Therefore, comprehensive preparation of the patient and family before discharge and coherent support and continuity of care after discharge with the effective presence of nurses.

Infrastructure- and workforce capacity for the provision of health care to people with invasive home mechanical ventilation: A scoping review of indicators and norms

INTRODUCTION

Both the availability and adequacy of infrastructure- and workforce capacity are critical to provide integrated and continuing care, especially to people with complex care needs such as those with invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV). This review aims to synthesise indicators and norms that are available for assessing this infrastructure- and workforce capacity.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed, Livivo, the grey literature, specific registries, and the websites of relevant professional societies for international publications on specific infrastructure- and workforce capacity indicators or norms on HMV from January 2000 up to and including March 2021. Exclusion criteria comprised missing indicator/norm information, differing populations/care settings, and secondary literature. Indicators and norms were extracted, clustered, and analysed by applying the WHO Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen publications met the inclusion criteria. Forty-five indicators and 44 norms on HMV-related infrastructure- and workforce capacity were synthesised. The synthesis revealed a heterogeneous set of indicators and norms (mainly from cross-sectional surveys and guidelines). The methodological information on their definition, rationales, disaggregation, and evidence is scarce.

CONCLUSION

To enable integrated care in HMV and comparable populations with complex care needs, the identified limitations in assessing infrastructure- and workforce capacity should be addressed.

Optimizing recovery following critical illness: A systematic review of home-based interventions

Around 5 million Americans are treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) annually. Upon discharge, it is not uncommon for ICU survivors to experience psychological, physical, or cognitive symptoms related to their ICU stay. Home-based interventions have been touted as a potential treatment modality for post-ICU sequelae. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of home-based interventions for patients in the post-ICU recovery period. As such, the purpose of this review was to aggregate and summarize the findings of studies focused on post-ICU rehabilitation, following critical illness, delivered in the home setting. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Studies were included if they: used a RCT or quasi-experimental study design; included participants aged ≥18 years discharged home from an ICU; examined the effectiveness of a home-based, post-ICU intervention; were published in English after the year 2010; and were peer-reviewed. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Sample sizes ranged from 21 to 386, with most participants receiving mechanical ventilation. Target outcomes included: physical function, psychological well-being, cognitive function, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Interventions included face-to-face, web-based, telephone, or self-directed activities. Findings of included studies were mixed or inconclusive. Limitations of this review include: inclusion of only adult ICU survivors, exclusion of Post-Intensive Care Syndrome as a search term, and search restricted to pre-pandemic studies. Findings suggest a need for more rigorous research to develop and test home-based interventions.

Effectiveness of a Supportive Program on Caregiver Burden of Families Caring for Patients on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation at Home: An Experimental Study

The prevalence of patients on mechanical ventilation who are being supported at home is increasing. Due to these patients' complex and chronic conditions, the subjective burden on their family caregivers increases after discharge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a supportive home care program on the caregiver burden of families caring for patients on invasive mechanical ventilation at home. Sixty patients hospitalized in three university-affiliated hospitals in Tehran, Iran between 7/2020 and 8/2021 were randomly assigned to one of two groups: A supportive home care program, and routine hospital education. The supportive home care program included six educational sessions delivered in the hospital before discharge, and home visits and continued education after discharge. Caregiver burden was measured using the Zarit Burden Interview. Results showed that caregiver burden increased significantly (p ≥ .001) after discharge without the supportive home care program intervention. Follow-up by nurses after discharge is essential to reduce the psychological burden of caring for patients on invasive mechanical ventilation at home.

Transition from intensive care unit to a portable ventilator in children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia

As the population of ventilator-dependent children (VDC) with tracheostomies due to underlying severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia grows, there is an increasing need to shift the care of these children from hospital to home. Transitioning the ventilator-dependent child from the hospital to home is a complex process that requires coordination between the medical team and the family. One crucial step in the process is transitioning from an Intensive care unit (ICU) ventilator to a portable home ventilator (PHV). The Clinical team needs to understand the nuances in transitioning to PHV, including assessing readiness to transition and choosing the optimum settings on an available home ventilator. In recent years, various ventilator modes have been available in PHV that can help achieve synchronous breathing to allow for adequate gas exchange for the infant. This review details some approaches to asses readiness to transition and the process of Transition along with commonly used modes of support available in PHV, as well as the primary and secondary settings in which we should be mindful in supporting a child with chronic respiratory failure in the home setting.

At-home end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement in children with invasive home mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Carbon dioxide concentration trending is used in chronic management of children with invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV) in clinical settings, but options for end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO₂ ) monitoring at home are limited. We hypothesized that a palm-sized, portable endotracheal capnograph (PEC) that measures EtCO₂ could be adapted for in-home use in children with HMV.

METHODS

We evaluated the internal consistency of the PEC by calculating an intraclass correlation coefficient of three back-to-back breaths by children (0-17 years) at baseline health in the clinic. Pearson's correlation was calculated for PEC EtCO₂ values with concurrent mean values of in-clinic EtCO₂ and transcutaneous CO₂ (TCM) capnometers. The Bland-Altman test determined their level of agreement. Qualitative interviews and surveys assessed usability and acceptability by family-caregivers at home.

RESULTS

CO₂ values were collected in awake children in varied activity levels and positions (N = 30). The intraclass correlation coefficient for the PEC was 0.95 (p < 0.05). The correlation between the PEC and in-clinic EtCO₂ device was 0.85 with a mean difference of -3.8 mmHg and precision of ±1.1 mmHg. The correlation between the PEC and the clinic TCM device was 0.92 with a mean difference of 0.2 mmHg and precision of ±1.0. Family-caregivers (N = 10) trialed the PEC at home; all were able to obtain measurements at home while children were awake and sometimes asleep.

CONCLUSIONS

A portable, noninvasive device for measuring EtCO₂ was feasible and acceptable, with values that trend similarly to currently in-practice, outpatient models. These devices may facilitate monitoring of EtCO₂ at home in children with invasive HMV.

Parent education programs for children assisted by invasive mechanical ventilation: A scoping review

PROBLEM

The population of children assisted by invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and living at home is growing. Although parent education is essential for safe transitions from hospital-to-home, little is known about how this education is delivered. The aim of this review is to identify existing literature about parent education programs, synthesize the evidence, and identify gaps in the literature for future inquiry.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Full-text publications in the English language focused on describing parent education programs for children assisted by IMV, indexed in CINAHL, PubMed, OVID, and PsycINFO and published from 2010 to 2021 were included. Reference lists of relevant articles were reviewed, and a hand search was completed to locate any additional literature outside the original search.

SAMPLE

A total of 2472 citations were identified. After screening titles and abstracts, 37 full-text articles were retrieved and assessed for eligibility. Two independent reviewers completed the screening process. A hand search located one additional article. A final sample of 18 articles were included in the review.

RESULTS

The parent education programs described in the final sample included standardized discharge education programs, simulation training, resourcefulness training, patient-specific action plans, disaster preparedness, and symptom and technology management.

CONCLUSION

Although most parent education programs identified in this review focused on teaching caregiver skills, program characteristics and outcome measures varied widely.

IMPLICATIONS

This review recommends directions for future research to optimize parent education for children assisted by IMV.

Improving Support for Care at Home: Parental Needs and Preferences When Caring for Children with Medical Complexity

INTRODUCTION

We sought to characterize the current supports used by parents to care for children with medical complexity (CMC) at home and parental preferences for additional supports to meet identified gaps.

METHOD

Semistructured interviews were conducted with parents of 18 CMC. Interviews were transcribed then analyzed using a constant comparative approach.

RESULTS

Extended family and community offloaded nonmedical tasks, assisted financially, gave emotional reinforcement, and cared for CMC. Home health providers also directly cared for CMC, but access and quality varied. Government programs paid for in-home care, but eligibility varied. Parents wanted more paid home care but also more support completing nonmedical tasks, mitigating financial strains, and accessing mental health services.

DISCUSSION

Parents of CMC relied on family and community members to help fill existing gaps in-home care, but gaps remained, suggesting the need for more medical and social supports for the in-home care of CMC and their families.

Parent perspectives on facilitating decision-making around pediatric home ventilation

RATIONALE

Deciding about pediatric home ventilation is exceptionally challenging for parents. Understanding the decision-making needs of parents who made different choices for their children could inform clinician counseling that better supports parents' diverse values and goals.

OBJECTIVES

To determine how clinicians can meet the decisional needs of parents considering home ventilation using a balanced sample of families who chose for or against intervention.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews of parents who chose for or against home ventilation for their child within the previous 5 years. Parents were recruited from three academic centers across the United States. Interviews focused on parent-clinician communication during decision-making and how clinicians made the process easier or more difficult. Qualitative analysis was used to generate themes and identify key results.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight parents were interviewed; 20 chose for and 18 chose against home ventilation. Five themes described their perspectives on how clinicians can facilitate high-quality decision-making: demonstrating dedication to families, effectively managing the medical team, introducing the concept of home ventilation with intention, facilitating meaningful conversation about the treatment options, and supporting and respecting the family's decision.

CONCLUSIONS

High-quality decision-making around home ventilation depends on individual clinician actions and the complex operations of large academic settings. Strong working relationships with parents, collaborative alliances with colleagues, and appropriate delivery of key content can help meet the needs of parents considering invasive breathing supports for their children.

Allocation of Pediatric Home Care Nursing Hours: The Minnesota Experience

Despite an increasing demand for pediatric home care nursing, there is no comprehensive or universal standard of care for prescribing pediatric home care nursing hours based on a child's medical complexity. Adoption of a qualification tool (QT) to allocate home care nursing hours based on the medical complexity of a child may mitigate inequality in access to care and improve the patient and family experience. A QT, developed in Minnesota, recommends home care nursing hours based on the level of medical complexity and need for skilled nursing interventions. Four hypothetical case studies demonstrate the use of the QT to calculate recommended nursing hours. To validate the tool, a survey of discharge planners found a percentage difference in calculated hours of 4.1, 5.7, 11.2, and 24.9 in the four case studies. Discharge planners rated the usability of the QT as favorable with a score of 3.6 on a Likert scale of 5. The recommended nursing hours prescribed for families, based on the QT, was perceived as meeting the needs of the child by 56% and 42% of surveyed parents and home care nurses (HCNs), respectively. The need for additional nursing hours was expressed by 33% and 50% of parents and nurses, respectively. In general, HCNs' assessment of allocated nursing hours paralleled that of parents. Further refinement and adoption of a standardized QT to allocate home care nursing hours may improve access and outcomes for children requiring home care nursing.

The ISPAT project: Implementation of a standardized training program for caregivers of children with tracheostomy

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy-related morbidity and mortality mainly occur due to decannulation, misplacement, or obstruction of the tube. A standardized training can improve the skills and confidence of the caregivers in tracheostomy care (TC).

OBJECTIVE

Our primary aim was to evaluate the efficiency of standardized training program on the knowledge and skills (changing-suctioning the tracheostomy tube) of the participants regarding TC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five caregivers of children with tracheostomy were included. First, participants were evaluated with written test about TC and participated in the practical tests. Then, they were asked to participate in a standardized training session, including theoretical and practical parts. Baseline and postintervention assessments were compared through written and practical tests conducted on the same day.

RESULTS

A significant improvement was observed in the written test score after the training. The median number of correct answers of the written test including 23 questions increased 26%, from 12 to 18 (p < .001). The median number of correct steps in tracheostomy tube change (from 9 to 16 correct steps out of 16 steps, 44% increase) and suctioning the tracheostomy tube (from 9 to 17 correct steps out of 18 steps, 44% increase) also improved significantly after the training (p < .001, for both).

CONCLUSION

Theoretical courses and practical hands-on-training (HOT) courses are highly effective in improving the practices in TC. A standardized training program including HOT should be implemented before discharge from the hospital. Still there is a need to assess the impact of the program on tracheostomy-related complications, morbidity, and mortality in the long term.

Ventilator change in children on home mechanical ventilation affected by the Philips respironics trilogy ventilator recall

The Philips Respironics recall notification issued in June 2021 affected many of their positive airway pressure devices and mechanical ventilators including the Trilogy 100 and 200 ventilators that are often utilized in children using home positive pressure ventilation via tracheostomy (PPV-T). Optimal strategies to replace ventilators in children using home PPV-T affected by the Philips recall are unknown. We conducted a retrospective study of children using home PPV-T with recalled Trilogy ventilators who underwent inpatient ventilator change to non-recalled portable home ventilators (PHV) using our collaborative institutional protocol. During the study period, there were 40 children using PPV-T with recalled Trilogy ventilators and 19 patients underwent inpatient ventilator change either during an elective hospitalization (n = 8) or during an unscheduled or postoperative hospitalization (n = 11). The median duration of hospitalization for ventilator change was 2 days (interquartile range: 6 days) and generally 1 day for patients admitted solely for ventilator change. In children using PPV-T with recalled Trilogy ventilators, a systematic protocol collaborating with the patients, physicians, and durable medical equipment companies may optimize transition to nonrecalled PHVs.

Mechanical Ventilation During Chronic Lung Disease

For infants with the most severe forms of chronic lung disease, regardless of etiology, chronic mechanical ventilation can provide stability, reduce acute respiratory events, and alleviate increased work of breathing. This approach prioritizes the baby's growth and development during early life. Once breathing comfortably, these infants can tolerate developmental therapies with the goal of achieving the best neurocognitive outcomes possible.

Chronic respiratory failure in bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Although survival has improved dramatically for extremely preterm infants, those with the most severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) fail to improve in the neonatal period and go on to develop chronic respiratory failure. When careful weaning of respiratory support is not tolerated, the difficult decision of whether or not to pursue chronic ventilation via tracheostomy must be made. This requires shared decision-making with an interdisciplinary medical team and the child's family. Although they suffer from increased morbidity and mortality, the majority of these children will survive to tolerate ventilator liberation and tracheostomy decannulation. Care coordination for the technology-dependent preterm infant is complex, but there is a growing consensus that chronic ventilation can best support neurodevelopmental progress and improve long-term outcomes.

Factors associated with high care burden of primary caregivers of children with medical complexity after completing a discharge-support program in a recovery center

INTRODUCTION

Recently, many seriously ill children requiring medical equipment are being recommended to transition from hospital to home care in Japan. Since 2011, our recovery center has provided a support program for the transfer process from hospital to home for ill children and their families. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors related to high care burden after completing the discharge-support program.

METHODS

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on all primary caregivers whose children received the program in our center and moved from hospital to home (30 children and 29 families) from May 2011 to May 2018. Fifteen children came from the neonatal intensive care unit. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: characteristics of children and families and life after the program; the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI); and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS).

RESULTS

Twenty-three primary caregivers responded (79% response rate). All children received tracheostomy and 71% received home mechanical ventilation. Primary caregivers were all mothers. High ZBI score was not related to the severity and type of medical equipment. There were relationships between high ZBI score and following factors: 'unimproved relationship between patients and family members without primary caregivers' and 'additional medical equipment after discharge'. The result of PANAS showed that positive attitude was not different between those with high and low ZBI scores.

CONCLUSION

It is crucial to reach out to family members without a primary caregiver. Additional medical care/equipment after the program is related to the care burden of primary caregivers.

A Description of Children Dependent on Long Term Ventilation via Tracheostomy and Their Hospital Resource Use

PURPOSE

To describe the proportion of children with an index hospitalization in 2014 who had established long-term invasive ventilator dependence (LTVD), and determine regional variation in hospital length of stay, charges, and readmissions.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Multicenter, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study using a recently established algorithm to identify children with LTVD from the Pediatric Health Information System database with an index hospitalization at least once during 2014, excluding normal newborn care or chemotherapy, and the subset with established LTVD. Hospitals were grouped by geographic regions. Analysis included descriptive statistics and multi-variable mixed modeling for length of stay, charges, and readmissions.

RESULTS

Of the 615,883 unique children discharged from 45 children's hospitals in 2014, 2235 (0.4%) had established LTVD. Of these, 342 (15%) were hospitalized in the Northeast, 677 (30%) Midwest, 733 (32%) South and 481 (22%) West. Most had at least two complex chronic conditions (97%) and used a medical device for at least two body systems (71%). No statistically significant regional variation was found for length of stay, charges, or readmissions after adjustment for child demographics, admission type, disposition, primary diagnosis, ICU stay, and number of chronic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study characterized the population of children with LTVD hospitalized in 2014. No regional variation was found for length of stay, charges, or readmissions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Children with established LTVD make up a small subset of all children admitted to children's hospitals however, they require substantial, costly, multifaceted care as most have additional complex chronic conditions and require multiple medical devices.

Care of children with home mechanical ventilation in the healthcare continuum

Introduction:The care of children with invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is challenging and insufficiently described in the literature. Objectives:Our objective regarding this unique and growing population is to describe our institution's pediatric chronic HMV program and discuss our current understanding of best care practices. Methods: In addition to characterizing the clinical landscape of our program, we describe demographics for our roughly 223 current HMV patients with comparisons to available national data.  We discuss evidence and expert opinion regarding various elements of care including initiation of HMV, caregiver education, equipment concerns, inpatient care, and longitudinal care.Results: Data was collected but not statistically analyzed for our roughly 223 current patients and historical cohort. Descriptive data included demographic information, patient medical characteristics and complexity, and reasons for rehospitalizations.Conclusions:While we have provided institutional expertise regarding the care of this complex population, the evidence base remains insufficient and there are many areas which need future research to develop standardized care practice guidelines for children with HMV.

Parent Carer Quality of Life and Night-Time Attendance in Non-Ambulant Youth with Neuromuscular Disorders

Purpose: To describe and explore carer quality of life (QoL) and night-time attendance to their child in parents of non-ambulant youth with Neuromuscular Disorders.Methods: A cross-sectional population-based, comprehensive survey including the Adult Carer QoL (AC-QoL) questionnaire, measures of social context and youths' physical status. Associations between carer-QoL or frequency of parents' night-time attendance with independent variables were explored using linear and logistic regression models, respectively.Results: Parents' perceived lower carer-QoL (mean 76.5/120, SD 18.5) when they attended to their child twice a night or more (n = 17/35) and with shorter time since their child was prescribed noninvasive ventilation (NIV). Parental night-time attendance was not associated with youth's actual use of NIV, but was more likely when youth required assistance to turn in bed, reported frequent sleep discomfort and had more severe joint contractures.Conclusions: To optimize parent carer-QoL, interventions must address parents' frequency of night-time attendance and youths' sleep comfort.

Tracheostomy and long-term mechanical ventilation in children after veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to characterize the incidence of tracheostomy placement and of new requirement for long-term mechanical ventilation after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) among children with acute respiratory failure. We examine whether an association exists between demographics, pre-ECMO and ECMO clinical factors, and the placement of a tracheostomy or need for long-term mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

A retrospective multicenter cohort study was conducted at 10 quaternary care pediatric academic centers, including children supported with veno-venous (V-V) ECMO from 2011 to 2016.

RESULTS

Among 202 patients, 136 (67%) survived to ICU discharge. All tracheostomies were placed after ECMO decannulation, in 22 patients, with 19 of those surviving to ICU discharge (14% of survivors). Twelve patients (9% of survivors) were discharged on long-term mechanical ventilation. Tracheostomy placement and discharge on home ventilation were not associated with pre-ECMO severity of illness or pre-existing chronic illness. Patients who received a tracheostomy were older and weighed more than patients who did not receive a tracheostomy, although this association did not exist among patients discharged on home ventilation. ECMO duration was longer in those who received a tracheostomy compared with those who did not, as well as for those discharged on home ventilation, compared to those who were not.

CONCLUSION

The 14% rate for tracheostomy placement and 9% rate for discharge on long-term mechanical ventilation after V-V ECMO are important patient-centered findings. This study informs anticipatory guidance provided to families of patients requiring prolonged respiratory ECMO support, and lays the foundation for future research.

Cross-sectional survey on home mechanical ventilator use: major deficiencies in a home care system in South Korea

Background

Despite the increased use of home mechanical ventilation (HMV), data on home care services for HMV users in Asian countries are scarce. This study investigated the current status of HMV use in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved three university-affiliated hospitals. Subjects who were receiving HMV at home for >3 months were included, and door-to-door visits were done to collect data (e.g., on devices, caregivers, and healthcare service use) from the subjects or their families.

Results

Among the 140 individuals who were initially screened, 38 adults and 26 children were finally enrolled; the duration of HMV use was 14.5 (8.8–37.5) months and 20.5 (7.0–28.0) months, respectively. Tracheostomy ventilation was performed in 36.8% of the adults and 61.5% of the children, and life-support ventilator in 55.3% and 96.2%, respectively. Regarding ancillary devices, 42.1% of the adults and 80.8% of the children had an oxygen monitoring device, while only one member of each group had a cough assist device. Among those with a tracheostomy, 64.3% of adults and 81.3% of children had an AMBU-bag. Reliance on a family member for care was determined in 65.8% of adults and 88.5% of children, but a home visit by a hospital nurse during the previous year occurred in only 26.3% of the adults and 3.8% of the children. Emergency incidents at home occurred in 39.5% of the adults and 50.0% of the children, with dyspnea being the most common cause. Out-of-pocket expenses tended to be higher in the tracheostomy (vs. non-tracheostomy) group and in children (vs. adults).

Conclusions

Our study highlights the challenges faced by adults and children dependent on HMV, and their families. There is an urgent need for nationwide standardization of care for patients receiving HMV at home.

Discharge Practices for Children with Home Mechanical Ventilation across the United States. Key-Informant Perspectives

Rationale: In 2016, the American Thoracic Society released clinical practice guidelines for pediatric chronic home invasive ventilation pertaining to discharge practices and subsequent management for patients with invasive ventilation using a tracheostomy. It is not known to what extent current U.S. practices adhere to these recommendations.Objectives: Hospital discharge practices and home health services are not standardized for children with invasive home mechanical ventilation (HMV). We assessed discharge practices for U.S. children with HMV.Methods: A survey of key-informant U.S. clinical providers of children with HMV, identified with purposeful and snowball sampling, was conducted. Topics included medical stability, family caregiver training, and discharge guidelines. Close-ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Responses to open-ended questions were analyzed using open coding with iterative modification for major theme agreement.Results: Eighty-eight responses were received from 157 invitations. Eligible survey responses from 59 providers, representing 44 U.S. states, included 49.2% physicians, 37.3% nurses, 10.2% respiratory therapists, and 3.4% case managers. A minority, 22 (39%) reported that their institution had a standard definition of medical stability; the dominant theme was no ventilator changes 1-2 weeks before discharge. Nearly all respondents' institutions (94%) required that caregivers demonstrate independent care; the majority (78.4%) required two trained HMV caregivers. Three-fourths described codified discharge guidelines, including the use of a discharge checklist, assurance of home care, and caregiver training. Respondents described variable difficulty with obtaining durable medical equipment, either because of insurance or durable-medical-equipment company barriers.Conclusions: This national U.S. survey of providers for HMV highlights heterogeneity in practice realities of discharging pediatric patients with HMV. Although no consensus exists, defining medical stability as no ventilator changes 1-2 weeks before discharge was common, as was having an institutional requirement for training two caregivers. Identification of factors driving heterogeneity, data to inform standards, and barriers to implementation are needed to improve outcomes.

Paying for Pediatric Home Health Care: How Families of Children With Medical Complexity Navigate Gaps in Coverage

Limited private and public financing of home health care for children with medical complexity can have harmful and costly consequences. Little is known of how parents and professionals in the United States navigate coverage for these services or how payer restrictions are shaping service quality. Qualitative interviews were conducted with families and professionals (eg, prescribers, providers, administrators of pediatric home health care [PHHC]) caring for children with medical complexity. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. In total, 47 families and 45 professionals from across 31 states and the District of Columbia had experiences with the full range of PHHC services. Participants detailed the need to patch together multiple insurances and payment programs to cover a child's home health needs. They described nontransparent eligibility determinations that do not reflect the diagnostic uncertainty and static functional status that is common for many children. Coverage denials are common, leaving gaps in care that can potentiate downstream cost escalation. Evidence-based health care reform must ensure that children get the PHHC needed to maintain function and reduce the need for hospital-based services. Recommendations are offered to improve PHHC financing and care for the most medically vulnerable children and their families.

Shared decision making for children with chronic respiratory failure-It takes a village and a process

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Shared decision making (SDM) before nonurgent tracheostomy in a child with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) is often recommended, but has proven challenging to implement in practice. We hypothesize that utilization of the microsystem model for analysis of the complex ecosystem in which SDM occurs will yield insights that enable formation of a reproducible, measurable SDM process.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of a case series of children with CRF in whom a SDM process was pursued. The process included a palliative care consult, a validated decision aid and 12 key questions designed to elucidate information integral to an informed decision. Investigators reviewed a single hospital admission for each child, focusing on the 3 core elements of a medical microsystem-the patient, the providers, and information.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients who met inclusion criteria ranged in age from 0 to 19.5 years (median 1.7) and remained in the hospital from 10 to 316 days (median 38). Patients were medically complex with multiple and varied respiratory diagnoses, multiple and varied comorbidities, and varying psychosocial environments. 14/29 children received tracheostomies. Each child encountered a mean of 6.2 medical specialties, 1.9 surgical specialties and 8.5 nonphysician led services. Answers to 12 key questions were not documented systematically and often not found in the electronic medical record.

CONCLUSION

A unique SDM microsystem is formed around each child but not optimally utilized. Explicit recognition of these microsystems would enable team formation and an SDM process comprised of measurable steps and communication patterns.

"This Is How Hard It Is". Family Experience of Hospital-to-Home Transition with a Tracheostomy

Rationale: Expansion of chronic ventilation options and shared decision-making have contributed to an increasing population of technology-dependent children. One particularly vulnerable group is children with tracheostomy who depend on technology for basic respiratory functions. Chronic critical care is now provided in the homecare setting with implications for family caregivers.Objectives: This study explores the experience of family caregivers of children and young adults with a tracheostomy during the transition from hospital to home care. We sought to identify the specific unmet needs of families to direct future interventions.Methods: We recruited a convenience sample of families from an established home ventilation program to participate in semistructured interviews. Sessions were conducted in person or via teleconference. A grounded-theory qualitative analysis was performed.Results: Between March 2017 and October 2018, we interviewed 13 individuals representing 12 families of children and/or young adults with tracheostomy. Patients ranged in age from 9 months to 28 years, had a tracheostomy for 8 months to 18 years, and represented a variety of underlying diagnoses. Five key themes emerged: 1) navigating home nursing; 2) care coordination and durable medical equipment (DME) impediments; 3) learning as a process; 4) managing emergencies; and 5) setting expectations.Conclusions: Our findings support the need for family-centered discharge processes including coordination of care and teaching focused on emergency preparedness.

Relationship Between Tracheal Suctioning Catheter Motion and Secretion Amount Based on Viscosity

Background

To provide safe tracheal suctioning, the American Association of Respiratory Care guideline discusses the length of suctioning catheter, but the most effective tracheal suctioning catheter technique is still unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study is to compare the amount of simulated secretion produced by five different handlings of a catheter at two different viscosities and in two different models to discover the most effective suctioning maneuver in the various mucus conditions.

Design

In vitro experimental design.

Methods

The amount of secretion aspirated by our researcher's manipulation of a suctioning catheter was measured. The tip of the catheter was recorded using a high-speed video camera to visualize the secretion motion.

Results

The most effective suctioning technique differed depending on the viscosity of the secretion. There were no significant differences between five suctioning methods applied to high-viscosity phlegm in a tracheal membrane model, but the flexion technique was the most efficient for low-viscosity secretion.

Conclusions

Our results imply that the flexion technique was reasonably safe and the most effective of these five methods for low-viscosity secretion.

Qualitative indications for tracheostomy and chronic mechanical ventilation in patients with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BACKGROUND

The decision to pursue chronic mechanical ventilation involves a complex mix of clinical and social considerations. Understanding the medical indications to pursue tracheostomy would reduce the ambiguity for both providers and families and facilitate focus on appropriate clinical goals.

OBJECTIVE

To describe potential indications to pursue tracheostomy and chronic mechanical ventilation in infants with severe BPD (sBPD).

STUDY DESIGN

We surveyed centers participating in the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium to describe their approach to proceed with tracheostomy in infants with sBPD. We requested a single representative response per institution. Question types were fixed form and free text responses.

RESULTS

The response rate was high (31/34, 91%). Tracheostomy was strongly considered when: airway malacia was present, PCO₂ ≥ 76-85 mmHg, FiO₂ ≥ 0.60, PEEP ≥ 9-11 cm H₂O, respiratory rate ≥ 61-70 breaths/min, PMA ≥ 44 weeks, and weight <10th %ile at 44 weeks PMA.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the range of indications utilized by high level NICUs around the country to pursue a tracheostomy in an infant with sBPD is one step toward standardizing consensus indications for tracheostomy in the future.

Home nursing for children with home mechanical ventilation in the United States: Key informant perspectives

OBJECTIVES & HYPOTHESIS

Children with home mechanical ventilation (HMV) require skilled care by trained caregivers, and their families feel the impacts of ubiquitous home nursing shortages. It is unknown which factors determine allocation; no standards for private duty nursing intensity exist. We sought to characterize provider experiences with and opinions on home nursing for children with HMV, hypothesizing providers would describe frequent home nursing gaps across clinical scenarios.

METHODS

Purposeful and snowball sampling identified key informant clinical providers. Survey topics included hours of home nursing received across clinical and family scenarios. Close-ended responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and open-ended questions coded with iterative modification for major theme agreement.

RESULTS

A total of 59 respondents represented care of patients from 44 states; 49.2% physicians, 37.3% nurses, 10.2% respiratory therapists, and 3.4% case managers. Nearly all (97%) believed that families should receive more hours during initial home transition, yet less than half (47%) do. The majority (80.7%) thought the presence of other children in the home should influence nursing hours, yet only three (5.3%) reported other children have influence. Across hypothetical medical technology scenarios, providers consistently described children receiving fewer nursing hours than the providers' ideal practice. A third (31.7%) described discharging patients without any home nursing arranged.

CONCLUSIONS

This HMV provider sample highlights pervasive deficiency in home nursing provision with heterogenous interpretation of what constitutes ideal home care. Family and social contextual factors are infrequently considered in nursing allocations. Provider, community health, and family stakeholders must collaborate to generate national community practice standards for children with HMV.

A transition program to adult health services for teenagers receiving long-term home mechanical ventilation: A longitudinal qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

Adolescents receiving long-term home mechanical ventilation (HMV) who survive into adulthood must transition to adult health care services. Lack of transition readiness is reported to result in poor health outcomes. The objective of this study is to explore longitudinally the pediatric-to-adult health care transition experience involving a transition program for adolescents receiving HMV including transition readiness, barriers, facilitators, and modifiable features.

DESIGN

A prospective qualitative longitudinal interview study of adolescent and family caregiver dyads recruited through a pediatric-to-adult HMV transition program jointly established by two collaborating health centers: The Hospital for Sick Children and West Park Healthcare Centre in Toronto, Canada. Eligible dyads were interviewed at three time points: pretransition, transition, and 12-months posttransition. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using directed content analysis methods.

RESULTS

Ventilator-assisted adolescents (VAAs) and caregiver participants perceived a lack of transition readiness in their ability to manage health communication and coordination across multiple adult providers. Transition facilitators included early transition discussion, opportunities for VAAs to speak directly with HMV providers during appointments, receipt of print informational materials regarding adult services, and a joint pediatric-adult team handover meeting. Modifiable transition barriers included lack of other specialist referrals, insufficient information about adult homecare service funding, and limited involvement of family doctors. Unresolved transition barriers resulted in perceptions of service fragmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the pediatric-to-adult HMV transition program conferred benefits service fragmentation was perceived. Transition barriers may be overcome through early planning and staged transition with all specialists, community providers, and the family and adolescent working in collaboration.

Preparing families to care for ventilated infants at home

Advances in neonatal care have led to increased survival of infants with complex medical needs and technology dependence. Transition of the ventilator-dependent infant from hospital to home is a complex process that requires extensive coordination between the medical team and family. Home caregivers must be prepared to provide routine care for the ventilator-dependent child and respond to life-threatening emergencies. Families should be counseled on the need for home nursing, medical equipment and an adequate home environment to ensure a safe transition to home. Throughout the process, the family may require financial, social and psychological support. A structured education and transition process that is clearly communicated to parents is necessary to have an effective partnership with families.

Attributable Delay of Discharge for Children with Long-Term Mechanical Ventilation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reasons for discharge delays for children with long-term mechanical ventilation.

STUDY DESIGN

Charts of children (0-18 years of age) with a new tracheostomy in the Pulmonary Habilitation Program at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, medical diagnoses, medical stability, discharge to home, reasons for discharge delay, and hours of staffed home nursing. All patients were discharged on mechanical ventilation. Discharge delay was defined as >10 days after medical stability. Hospital charges were analyzed and excess charges quantified beginning with the date of delay. Descriptive statistics and Pearson χ² tests were used to compare nursing hours and demographics.

RESULTS

Of 72 patients, 55% were male with mean age 1.8 years (SD 3.8) at tracheostomy placement. The most common long-term mechanical ventilation indication was chronic lung disease (n = 47, 65%); 54% had discharge delays, the majority were primarily due to lack of home nursing (62%), followed by delay of caregiver training (18%), caregiver health and social issues (8%), and delay in a transitional care facility bed (8%). Of the 39 delayed patients, 10% ($13 217 889) of hospital charges occurred during excess days with a median of $186 061 (IQR $117 661-$386 905) per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Over one-half of children discharged to the community from a large inpatient pediatric long-term mechanical ventilation program had a nonmedical delay of discharge home, most commonly because of home nurse staffing. This case series provides further evidence that limited availability of home nursing impedes efficient discharge and prolongs hospitalizations.

Long-term ventilation for children with chronic lung disease of infancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Modern medical advances have resulted in an increased survival after extremely preterm birth. However, some infants will develop severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and fail to wean from invasive or noninvasive positive pressure support. It remains unclear which infants will benefit from tracheostomy placement for chronic ventilation. Once the decision to pursue chronic ventilation has been made, questions remain with respect to the timing of tracheotomy surgery, optimal strategies for mechanical ventilation, and multidisciplinary care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The appropriate time for weaning mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy decannulation has similarly not been determined.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there remains a paucity of randomized controlled trials involving infants with severe BPD, a growing body of evidence suggests that chronic ventilation via tracheostomy is beneficial to support the growth and development of severely affected preterm children. However, delivering such care is not without risk. Chronic ventilation via tracheostomy requires complex care coordination and significant resource utilization.

SUMMARY

When chronic respiratory insufficiency limits a preterm infant's ability to grow and develop, chronic invasive ventilation may facilitate neurodevelopmental progress and may lead to an improved long-term outcome.