Home Support for Chronic Respiratory Failure Patients
摘要
Chronic respiratory failure is a progressive condition that significantly impairs quality of life, limits functional capacity, and increases the burden on healthcare systems. Predominantly affecting older individuals with multiple comorbidities, it is characterized by reduced physical capacity, social isolation, and frequent hospital admissions. In recent years, home-based support has emerged as a key strategy in the management of chronic respiratory failure, aiming to promote independent living and reduce the need for hospitalizations. This entry provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology and functional consequences of chronic respiratory failure, as well as the role of home care services in its management. Medical and technological interventions, including long-term oxygen therapy, invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, secretion management devices, and telehealth applications, are discussed, with an emphasis on their beneficial effects on symptom control, quality of life, and treatment adherence. The importance of coordinated work by multidisciplinary teams and the need for psychosocial and educational support for both patients and caregivers are highlighted. Furthermore, critical barriers, including socioeconomic disparities, infrastructural limitations, lack of awareness, and ethical concerns, are also addressed. The success of home care services for chronic respiratory failure depends not only on medical interventions but also on holistic, policy-driven approaches that are grounded in ethical principles and consider socioeconomic realities. Accordingly, home care should be regarded not merely as a healthcare service, but as a multidisciplinary, accessible, and sustainable model of care that supports all aspects of the patient’s life.