PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was the evaluation of a Home Nursing Care based Respiratory Management Program (HHNbRMP) on health care ability, respiratory and psychological status and quality of life (QoL) of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The management program utilizes a home mechanical ventilator (HMV) in the home.
METHODS
A non-randomized controlled experimental design was employed. HHNbRMP based on Cox's Interaction Model which includes cognitive assent (education, specialized medical care, case management), internal motivation (airway clearance, thoracic exercise, air accumulated exercise) and psychological response (meditation & active listening). These variables were measured first for a base line reading and then at four, twelve, and twenty-four weeks. The data were analyzed by t-test/ANOVA and Repeated Measures ANOVA/ANCOVA.
RESULTS
Only respiratory difficulty among the variables showed a significant difference at twelve and twenty-four weeks (F=7.52, p=.009; F=7.58, p=.009).
CONCLUSION
The Home Health Nursing Management program was effective in managing respiratory difficulty. The patients were satisfied with this program. Applying this program tailored to patients' condition, their respiratory health parameters would be improved.

Citations

• Factors associated with caring behaviors of family caregivers for patients receiving home mechanical ventilation with tracheostomy: A cross-sectional study
  Hyang Sook Kim, Chung Eun Lee, Yong Sook Yang, Tai-Heng Chen
  PLOS ONE.2021; 16(7): e0254987.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors on self care, respiratory difficulty, sleep impediment, anxiety and depression among patients with neuromuscular disease who are dependent on Home Mechanical Ventilator (HMV).
METHODS
157 patients were recruited through hospital based home nursing care departments and HMV rental centers. Data were collected by questionnaires. The analytic methods were n (%) / M±SD, χ² / t-test or ANOVA and multiple linear regression.
RESULTS
Patients with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis were more likely to utilize HMV, had shorter periods of morbidity and the most extended daily use of HMV. As for medical equipment, they had ambu-bag (87.2%) and oxygenator (15.4%). Reports of respiratory difficulty and sleep impediment were low. There were no significant difference. In contrast, reported anxiety and depression were high and showed significant difference between non invasive HMV and invasive HMV. Anxiety contributes to respiratory difficulty (t=3.62, p=.002), sleep impediment (t=2.06, p=.042), and depression (t=7.24, p<.001). However, home nursing care exerts a positive influence in reducing anxiety (t=-2.73, p=.008).
CONCLUSION
Anxiety contributes to respiratory difficulty, sleep impediment, and depression. However, those who use home nursing care reported less anxiety. Home nursing care positively impacts patients dependent on HMV as a practical service and available resource.

Citations

• Research Paper: Anxiety, Depression, and Their Related Factors in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units
  Shahrokh Yousefzadeh-Chabok, Naema Khodadadi-Hassankiadeh, Alia Saberi, Atefeh Ghanbari Khanghah, Homa Zarrabi, Mohammad Reza Yeganeh, Hamideh Hakimi, Anoush Dehnadi Moghadam
  Caspian Journal of Neurological Sciences.2018; 4(15): 159.     CrossRef

PURPOSE
This study was intended for the enhancement of the elderly's quality of life helping them overcome their physiological changes about aging and reinforcing their vitality. METHODS: An nonequivalent control group post-test design was used for the study. The methods to perform the abdominal respiration exercise and to blow the pan-flute were demonstrated to 31 experimental subjects and 36 control subjects. The eight-week 30 minute daily home respiration exercise recipes were prescribed to the subjects. Mobile spirometers were used to measure FVC, FEV1, FFV1 / FVC, SaO2, breathing discomfort. Daily life satisfaction scores were recorded. Music therapy accompanied the eight-week respiration program. A post-test was performed in the same manner as the pre-test. The gathered data were analysed by SPSS/WIN program. RESULTS: 1) The pulmonary function and daily life satisfaction were significantly improved in the experimental group. 2) Both the experimental and control groups did not show significant differences in SaO2. 3) The breathing discomfort was significantly reduced in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: The respiration exercise program for the elderly through the pan-flute improves the respiration activity of the elderly and enhances their daily life satisfaction scores. Therefore, this program produces effects in enhancing the quality of life for the elderly.