[Intensive care and home artificial ventilation. How do nurses experience artificial respiratory care in the home of patients?].

In Germany, the number of patients who receive artificial respiration in their own home is increasing. One reason for long time ventilation is the rise of technical possibilities. Bringing "intensive care" to the home of people challenges original understandings of home care. While intensive care and artificial respiration are technology-oriented, home-care is social-oriented, respecting the familiar environment of the patient. An international literature review reveals that research has been done by investigating the experiences of relatives and patients but not those of nurses. The few studies with a focus on nurses relate to themes of privacy and how to set limits. In Germany, not one study could be found that dealt with the question of how nurses experience artificial respiratory care in patients' homes. Considering the involved changes of care, the question rises, how nurses experience artificial respiratory care in the home of patients. This research is explorative and allows an insight into what home care is like when technology comes in. The exploration is based on eight narrative interviews with nurses who are experiencing respiratory care for patients in their home. The findings reveal professional challenges nurses have to face when caring for patients who are dependent on technological devices. The relatives are included in the caring activities and cooperating with them is crucial.