Education Experiences of Adults and Caregivers for MI-E

What is it about?

In 2014, public funding for prescribed mechanical insufflation-exsufflation (MI-E) devices for home use by individuals with neuromuscular respiratory insufficiency was approved in Ontario Canada. Since then, many MI-E devices have been provided to patients exceeding its device-use projections. This study is aimed to explore the requirements of initial and ongoing education and support for MI-E device use, user confidence, barriers, and facilitators to MI-E devices for home use.

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Why is it important?

Our findings showed that both new and old users were highly confident when using MI-E devices. We also found that subjects were satisfied with their initial education which consisted of a 1–2 h one-on-one session at home or in a clinic setting, that provided a device demonstration as well as hands-on practice. Our findings also suggested that ongoing support for the device was variable as most subjects indicated a lack of follow-up. Our findings also showed facilitators and barriers to MI-E use.