[Pathways of Invasive Ventilated Patients Released into Intensive Home Care: The Perspective of Home Care Providers].

INTRODUCTION: Over the past years, many home respiratory care services for invasively mechanically ventilated patients have been set up in Germany. However, little is known about the pathways used by these patients in order to access such specialized care.

METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory study was undertaken. Semi-structured interviews with 15 leading experts or employees responsible for care transition were conducted and subjected to content analysis.

RESULTS: Invasively ventilated patients' pathways into intensive home care tend to be highly random, risky and uncertain. Coordination and cooperation issues, as well as nontransparent and unclear interests of stakeholders and officials emerged. Rehabilitation opportunities do not seem to be systematically used to their full potential and demands for informed and participatory decision-making processes tend to be neglected.

CONCLUSIONS: More attention will have to be paid to research and development needs regarding the provision of care to severely chronically ill and technology-dependent patients beyond the scope of individual health care sectors, organizations or professions.