ABSTRACT
Prevalence of home mechanical ventilation 333
Conditions for which HMV is used 334
Prescription and organization of HMV services 335
Initiation of home mechanical ventilation 338
Equipment choices and provision 339
Home care provision 340
Costs and reimbursement 342
Quality control and servicing 342
Conclusions 343
References 344
The use of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) in patients with chronic respiratory failure has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, largely as a result of the use of portable and user-friendly non-invasive ventilators and improved interfaces. This has forced institutions and National Health organizations to adapt their ways of working, enabling potential HMV users to be recognized, have their ventilation initiated, train the users and their carers and provide adequate support at home. The complexities of this form of home treatment have led to various solutions around Europe.
