2023-06-13 14:20:19
Some patients with conditions that affect lung function require chronic respiratory support. This may very well start at home rather than in the hospital. Anda Hazenberg, nurse specialist in the Center for Home Ventilation, obtained her PhD in 2017 on the basis of a first comparative study involving 77 patients. Her research showed that setting ventilation at home is just as safe and effective as in the hospital. And it is much more pleasant for the patients. Hazenberg: ‘They saw the start at home as a big win, especially because they could stay in their familiar surroundings. Participants gave the home setting an average of 8.5’.
Setting at home safely effective and more pleasant for the patient
In follow-up research funded by ZonMW of the four centers for home respiration at the university medical centers of Maastricht, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Groningen, this was subsequently confirmed: setting at home is safe and just as effective as in the hospital. An additional advantage: it saves more than 3,000 euros per patient. This result then led to a new guideline, a working protocol and first steps towards an appropriate diagnosis-treatment combination.
Measurement data directly to electronic patient file
The next step is the further improvement of the technique. Reading the data remotely is not yet as it should be. Hazenberg: ‘But we are making strides in that as well. It is almost time for the data from the ventilator and the measuring device to go directly to the electronic patient file in the hospital.’
‘Set up three-quarters of patients at home’
The patients are very positive and the cooperation with all parties has become increasingly intense. Peter Wijkstra is also proud of the scientific impact achieved. “Twenty years ago home ventilation research still in its infancy, but now an increasingly clear academic position is emerging, also internationally.’ Wijkstra formulates an ambitious and realistic goal for the future: ‘Let’s ensure that 75% of the people who want it are set up at home. So that a large group of patients can benefit from appropriate care at home.’
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