As our population continues to grow, more and more patients are becoming dependent on long-term ventilatory support. Therefore, the need for quality options such as home mechanical ventilation is fast becoming a necessity. Ventilatory Support For Chronic Respiratory Failure (CRF) is the first resource to authoritatively address the needs of the acute or chronic respiratory patient through the transition from the hospital to the home-care setting.

This reference covers best practices in the management of CRF patients who are:

• clinically stable


• ventilator dependent in an institutional setting


• transitioning back to the community


• likely to require home-based care

Covering ethical and economic management issues, as well as perspectives from renowned national and international specialists, this guide:

• guides clinicians through transitional care stages, from weaning in the acute care setting to long-term ventilation in the home


• discusses topics rarely detailed in acute care texts, such as physical therapy and secretion clearance


• contains a chapter focused on the special care needs of the CRF patient including nutritional concerns, pressure ulcers, pneumonia, and speech challenges