RESPIRATORY SUPPORT FOR HOME CARE PATIENTS
- Author:
Wei Yi Tay
;
Catherine Qiu Hua Chan
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Home Care;
Respiratory Support;
Long Term Oxygen Therapy;
Tracheostomy
- From:The Singapore Family Physician
2015;41(2):17-26
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Home respiratory support for patients in the home care setting can range from simple oxygen supplementation, non-invasive ventilation, to home ventilation support via a tracheostomy. A home care doctor may not be able to know everything about ventilator support, but he should be familiar with the medical care of patients requiring one, and know who to refer to should patients require ventilator adjustments or troubleshooting. The management of such patients is challenging outside the hospital setting and usually requires a multidisciplinary team effort from the doctors, nurses, medical social worker, respiratory therapists, vendor of the ventilator and, most importantly, dedicated and well-trained caregivers. This article will cover two other important topics that Family Physicians should know when managing patients who require home respiratory support: home oxygen therapy and tracheostomy care.
