Abstract
This study aims to describe the pattern of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) usage in Australia and New Zealand.
Thirty-four centres providing HMV in the region were identified and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding centre demographics, patient diagnoses, HMV equipment and settings, staffing levels and methods employed to implement and follow-up therapy.
Twenty-eight centres (82%) responded providing data on 2725 patients. The minimum prevalence of HMV usage was 9.9 patients per 100,000 population in Australia and 12.0 patients per 100,000 population in New Zealand. Variation existed across Australian states (range 4–13 patients per 100,000 population) correlating with population density (r=0.82, p<0.05). The commonest indications for treatment were obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) (31%) and neuromuscular disease (NMD) (30%). OHS was more likely to be treated in New Zealand, in smaller, newer centres, whilst NMD was more likely to be treated in Australia, in larger, older centres. COPD was an uncommon indication (8.0%). No consensus on indications for commencing treatment was found.
In conclusion, the prevalence of HMV usage varies across Australia and New Zealand according to centre location, size and experience. These findings can assist HMV service planning locally and highlight trends in usage that may be relevant in other countries.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- chronic respiratory failure
- home Mechanical Ventilation
- neuromuscular disorders
- non-invasive ventilation
- obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- ERS