COPD patients’ experience with long-term non-invasive ventilation: A qualitative study

Introduction: Home initiation of long-term non-invasive ventilation (LT-NIV) for COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure has been shown to be as effective, clinically equivalent, and more cost-efficient as initiation during admission. However, the patient perspective in relation to the initiation of LT-NIV and use of LT-NIV at home is not a researched topic, especially in an outpatient setting.

Aim: To illustrate COPD patients’ perspectives on treatment with LT-NIV, with a specific focus on outpatient initiation of treatment.

Methods: A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, of patients with COPD, initiated on LT-NIV in an outpatient setting.

Results: Five patients were included. The following themes promoted the patient experience with LT-NIV treatment: patients regained skills and quality of life, had more control over breathing, less anxiety, better sleep, were very rarely hospitalized, and the NIV equipment was easy to use. Furthermore, the option to contact the department's LT-NIV team directly was crucial and created a safety net. Patients described a major change in everyday life, enabling them to regain social and physical abilities, and some even resumed traveling.

Conclusion: Overall, the initiation of LT-NIV in an outpatient clinic was perceived as a positive experience. The patients experienced great positive effects using LT-NIV. Future clinical care should be centered on the patient's needs, with the continuity and close support of a small, experienced, and well-educated team of staff.