Patterns of home mechanical ventilation use in Europe: results from the Eurovent survey

TLDR

Further work is needed to monitor HMV use and ensure equitable provision and access across Europe. The study aimed to assess patterns of home mechanical ventilation use for chronic respiratory failure patients across Europe. A detailed questionnaire was distributed to 483 identified HMV centers in 16 European countries, with 329 completing surveys (62–79% response rate) covering 21,526 users. The survey estimated a European HMV prevalence of 6.6 per 100,000, with wide inter‑country variation in prevalence, patient type proportions, tracheostomy use, and ventilation duration, indicating substantial differences in HMV provision across Europe.

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the patterns of use of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) for patients with chronic respiratory failure across Europe. A detailed questionnaire of centre details, HMV user characteristics and equipment choices was sent to carefully identified HMV centres in 16 European countries. A total of 483 centres treating 27,118 HMV users were identified. Of these, 329 centres completed surveys between July 2001 and June 2002, representing up to 21,526 HMV users and a response rate of between 62% and 79%. The estimated prevalence of HMV in Europe was 6.6 per 100,000 people. The variation in prevalence between countries was only partially related to the median year of starting HMV services. In addition, there were marked differences between countries in the relative proportions of lung and neuromuscular patients using HMV, and the use of tracheostomies in lung and neuromuscular HMV users. Lung users were linked to a HMV duration of <1 yr, thoracic cage users with 6-10 yrs of ventilation and neuromuscular users with a duration of > or =6 yrs. In conclusion, wide variations exist in the patterns of home mechanical ventilation provision throughout Europe. Further work is needed to monitor its use and ensure equality of provision and access.