Continuing Non-Invasive Ventilation During Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related Hospice Care Is Medically, Administratively, and Financially Feasible

Long-term mechanical ventilation and transitions in care: A narrative review

OBJECTIVES

Individuals dependent on long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) for their day-to-day living are a heterogenous population who go through several transitions over their lifetime. This paper describes three transitions: 1) institution/hospital to community/home, 2) pediatric to adult care, and 3) active treatment to end-of-life for ventilator-assisted individuals (VAIs).

METHODS

A narrative review based on literature and the author's collective practical and research experience. Four online databases were searched for relevant articles. A manual search for additional articles was completed and the results are summarized.

RESULTS

Transitions from hospital to home, pediatric to adult care, and to end-of-life for VAIs are complex and challenging processes. Although there are several LTMV clinical practice guidelines highlighting key components for successful transition, there still exists gaps and inconsistencies in care. Most of the literature and experiences reported to date have been in developed countries or geographic areas with funded healthcare systems.

CONCLUSIONS

For successful transitions, the VAIs and their support network must be front-and-center. There should be a coordinated, systematic, and holistic plan (including a multi-disciplinary team), life-time follow-up, with bespoke consideration of jurisdiction and individual circumstances.

What Is in the Literature

This issue of What Is in the Literature focuses on articles on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis over the past year. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains a challenging disorder with progression to death. Within the past year, a phase 2 trial of a drug combination showed slowing in the rate of progression. While awaiting a phase 3 trial or approval by the Food and Drug Administration, selected articles that aid the diagnosis, contribute to care, or add to general knowledge about the disease are reviewed.