[Description of the characteristics of invasive home mechanical ventilated patients in Bavaria using routine data from the MD Bavaria].

Abstract

The number of patients with invasive home mechanical ventilation (IHMV) in Germany is vastly increasing. Currently, only limited data is available on the characteristics of these patients. The aim of the present study was to describe the health care situation of IHMV patients living in Bavaria using routinely collected data within the project OVER BEAS.The routine data were derived from the care assessment of the Medical Service (MD) in Bavaria (years 2017-2020). In this dataset, IHMV patients were identified using specific filter variables. Patients were analysed regarding sociodemographic characteristics, diagnosis, mobility, therapeutic measures, and need for care.The dataset comprised 536 adult IHMV patients (34.5% female, median age 68, IQR 58 75); 13.1% lived in nursing homes (NH), 22.2% in home care (HC), and 64.2% in shared living communities (SLC). From 2017 to 2020 a trend in proportionally more patients living in SLC was observed. Differences between the living situations were seen in the frequency of physical (NH 91.4%; HC 76.5%; SLC 90.4%; p<0.001) and occupational therapy (NH 47.1%, HC 58.8%, SLC 69.8%, p<0.001). 69.4% of IHMV patients were classified as having the highest need for care.The routine data from the MD Bavaria could be successfully used to describe the characteristics of patients in the highly complex setting of IHMV. In order to facilitate regular monitoring of the care situation, it would be advantageous to implement more precise recording of IHMV in routine data.