The Perspective of Patients

Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) has been defined as “the longer-term application of ventilatory support to patients who are no longer in acute respiratory failure and do not need the sophistication of an intensive care setting” (1). A task force of the American College of Chest Physicians identified the goals of long-term mechanical ventilation as increasing longevity, decreasing morbidity, enhancing quality of life, and maximizing cost-effectiveness (2).