PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Elspeth Jardine
AU  - Colin Wallis
TI  - Core guidelines for the discharge home of the child on long term assisted ventilation in the United Kingdom
AID  - 10.1136/thx.53.9.762
DP  - 1998 Sep 01
TA  - Thorax
PG  - 762--767
VI  - 53
IP  - 9
4099  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/53/9/762.short
4100  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/53/9/762.full
SO  - Thorax1998 Sep 01; 53
AB  - Paediatric home ventilation is a feasible option and can be successful in a wide range of conditions and ages. Advances in ventilator technology and an ethos of optimism for home care has increased the possibilities for discharging chronically ventilated children from intensive care units and acute medical beds. With careful planning the process can succeed, but difficulties often thwart the responsible team, especially when attempting discharge for the first time. These core guidelines aim to assist a smooth, swift and successful transfer. They were developed by a working party of interested professionals spanning a wide range of health care disciplines and represent a synthesis of views accumulated from the experiences of individual teams throughout the UK. Three case scenarios provide further illustrative detail and guidance. KEY MESSAGESKEY MESSAGESLong term mechanical ventilation of children at home is feasible.The numbers of children ventilated at home are increasing.Early and careful planning leads to a smooth transition to home care.Home ventilation has demonstrable psychological, social and economic advantages.