Patient transitions related to individuals requiring ongoing ventilatory assistance

What is it about?

This Delphi study aims to address the interchangeable use of various terms such as 'prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) and long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) to identify patients groups requiring mechanical ventilation can be questionable when making comparisons and on the timing of clinical decisions. This interchangeable use of different terms can result in variability as well as decisional uncertainty regarding the timing to adjust the goals of care. Our study aims to develop consensus-based criteria associated with care transitions to recognize different groups of ventilated patients.

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Why is it important?

Our findings identified criteria to be considered during key healthcare transitions for individuals requiring ongoing ventilatory assistance, through the delphi-derived expert consensus approach. Our findings are important as they can be used to better the overall clinical decisions making process, resource utilization, policy development, as well as better integrate informational material for patients and their families.