Experiences of caring for a technologically dependent child at home with an emphasis on home ventilation: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

IntroductionOccasionally, children for a variety of reasons develop an intractable respiratory disorder that necessitates lifelong ventilation at home. Also, there exists a cohort of children with underlying pathologies that make them dependent on ventilators either from birth or after a period of time. Aim:The aim of the study is to explore parents (and where possible the children themselves and their siblings) experiences of ventilation at home and provide a narrative account of their interpretations of this. DesignThe study consisted of three distinct phasesPhase 1To determine the extent of current service provision a survey was undertaken that described the population using home ventilation. From this data the sample was identified and contacted to ascertain their willingness to participate.Phase 2At this point health care professionals involved in the care of this group of children will be interviewed. To be carried out.Phase 3To understand parents (and where possible children's and siblings) experiences of home ventilation in depth interviews will be used. To be carried outData analysisPhase 1 will be analysed using descriptive statistics and presented at the conferenceExpected outcome:This presentation will show the outcome from phase one and paint a picture of the population of children using ventilation at home