[Progress of introduction of artificial respirator at home--the knowledge I have gained from a 19 year-old patient requiring a home respiratory management care and through the friendship with his family members]

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2002 Dec:29 Suppl 3:517-9.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

The patient developed right cerebellar hemorrhage at the age of 15 and spent four years at hospital. The patient and the family members had a strong wish to bring the patient back home and the patient was admitted to the hospital to undergo guidance about home medical care. The patient had paralysis of right upper and lower extremities and generalized strong ataxic motion and was under gastric feeding and had underwent tracheotomy to cope with hypoventilation, which required use of an artificial respirator at night hours. Since the patient was still as young as 19, we want to have the patient "go home" as they wanted. Fortunately, the mother who had to play key roles was still young and the parents worked at home. It didn't take long for them to master the techniques though they had various anxieties. It is considered important in the guidance on home medical care to what degrees the caregivers accept the condition of the patient and can imagine the long lasting care at home. We provided assistance while repeatedly interviewing with the patient and family members considering the significance to confirm their willingness and psychological condition. As a result, the patient was discharged from the hospital in two months. Now, two years have passed, and the patient is still cared at home and the possibility of the patient is sought for. The progress is reported here in this article.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Community Health Nursing*
  • Home Care Services, Hospital-Based*
  • Home Nursing
  • Humans
  • Knowledge*
  • Long-Term Care*
  • Male
  • Patient Discharge
  • Quality of Life
  • Respiration, Artificial*
  • Ventilators, Mechanical