Mechanical Ventilation: Beyond the ICU

TOC | Previous | Next

Long-term Mechanical Ventilation in Infants and Children

When infants and children require long-term mechanical ventilation at home or at a long-term care facility, their needs differ from those of adults in many respects.

Goals for long-term mechanical ventilation of children include:

• maximizing the child's opportunity for growth and development;
• preparing the child for rehabilitation; and
• optimizing the child's quality of life.

Mechanical ventilation of the infant and child must be planned with the child's future in mind—schooling, playtime, socialization. A method of mechanical ventilation must be selected individually for every child.

Around-the-clock responsibility is an especially difficult issue for caregivers of a child being mechanically ventilated at home. While the child usually receives maximum care and attention, caregivers (parents, siblings, relatives) often experience substantial stress due to physical, psychological, and emotional demands. Caregivers may find it useful to join a support group that includes people facing similar situations. The patient's physician and members of the health-care team can help the caregivers obtain professional counseling, if needed.

Copyright © 1999 by the American College of Chest Physicians

TOC | Previous | Next

3300 Dundee Road • Northbrook, Illinois 60062-2348 • (847) 498-1400 • (800) 343-2227
Copyright ©1999-2008 American College of Chest Physicians. All Rights Reserved.
ACCP Privacy Policy | ACCP Web Site Terms of Use