Families with a ventilator-assisted child: transitional issues.

This article describes families' experiences taking their ventilator-assisted children home. The intent was to learn what might better prepare families for this transition. Feedback from families after their children were home made it apparent that the transition is lengthier than had been anticipated, and that new concerns evolve. A written questionnaire and personal interview with 14 families provided insights about the characteristics of those who choose mechanical ventilation at home about their concerns both in the hospital and at home, and about the ways in which they felt best and least prepared to have their children home. The results indicated that despite an enormously stressful impact on the family, they would again make the same choice. The authors conclude with suggestions to hospital staff about collaborating earlier with community-based providers and more closely with families.