This study aims to describe the pattern of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) usage in Australia and New Zealand. 34 centres providing HMV in the region were identified and asked to complete a questionnaire regarding centre demographics, patient diagnoses, HMV equipment and settings, staffing levels and methods employed to implement and follow-up therapy. 28 (82%) centres responded, providing data on 2,725 patients. The minimum prevalence of HMV usage was 9.9 patients per 100,000 population in Australia and 12.0 patients per 100,000 population in New Zealand. Variation existed across Australian states (range 4-13 patients per 100,000 population) correlating with population density (r=0.82; p<0.05). The commonest indications for treatment were obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) (31%) and neuromuscular disease (NMD) (30%). OHS was more likely to be treated in New Zealand, in smaller, newer centres, whilst NMD was more likely to be treated in Australia, in larger, older centres. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was an uncommon indication (8.0%). No consensus on indications for commencing treatment was found. In conclusion, the prevalence of HMV usage varies across Australia and New Zealand according to centre location, size and experience. These findings can assist HMV service planning locally and highlight trends in usage that may be relevant in other countries. Copyright©ERS 2013.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Biomedical and Clinical Sciences
Research Group:	Cardiovascular medicine and haematology
Research Field:	Respiratory diseases
Objective Division:	Health
Objective Group:	Clinical health
Objective Field:	Clinical health not elsewhere classified
UTAS Author:	Harkness, N (Dr Nick Harkness)
ID Code:	89175
Year Published:	2013
Web of Science® Times Cited:	78
Deposited By:	Medicine
Deposited On:	2014-02-26
Last Modified:	2014-06-24
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