Mental health and well-being of parents caring for a ventilator-dependent child.

An integrative literature review was undertaken to determine the social and emotional effects on the mental health and well-being of parents of children requiring long-term ventilation at home. Six studies were included. Recurrent themes reported in the literature included lack of formal and informal support, financial adversity, limited access to respite care and feelings of social isolation. These themes were associated with depressive symptoms and were consistently reported to have a negative effect on parental mental health and well-being. Healthcare professionals have a part to play in improving parents' coping skills, resilience and resourcefulness to help reduce adverse social and emotional effects on their mental health and well-being.