Impact of long–term ventilation on patients–health status

Therapy and rehabilitation of common causes of respiratory–induced disability are directed towards a reduction of exacerbations, minimization of symptom severity, and improvement, or at least maintenance, of the patient's health. Unfortunately, these diseases are frequently complicated by chronic respiratory failure (CRF), which determines a rapid increase in the impact of the disease on the patient's daily life and well–being. Under such circumstances, the effect of therapy on a patient's health status and well–being represents the most important subjective outcome of treatment. An adequate assessment of patient's quality of life can only be obtained from the patients themselves; that is, it requires direct measurement through the use of valid and reliable questionnaires, whether generic or disease–specific. The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and the Maugeri Foundation Respiratory Failure Questionnaire have been shown to be applicable and reliable in patients on long– term ventilation.