A literature review exploring role transitions in caring for a child requiring long-term ventilation In recent years, the UK and other high-income countries have seen an increase in the use of long-term ventilation (LTV) in paediatric intensive care ( Neupane et al 2015 ). Children who need LTV often stay in hospital for 28 days or more.

Government policies advocate that children should be cared for at home ( Noyes et al 2006 ), although medically stable LTV children often stay in hospital months longer than is necessary ( NHS England 2015 ). Research shows that parents of these children develop a dual role as parents and nurses, which leads to role conflict and ambiguity ( Hewitt-Taylor 2011 ).