Preparing the patient and family for home mechanical ventilation.

In the search for patients' improved quality of life and lower health care costs, home mechanical ventilation (HMV) has emerged as a method for treating stable chronic respiratory failure, particularly restrictive neuromuscular diseases. Data suggest that the use of home mechanical ventilation will rise because of the documented benefits to patients and the economic pressure to shorten hospital stays. The goal of HMV is to help impaired individuals function at their optimal levels. The criteria for HMV, the process of preparation for HMV, and the activities at discharge are described.