Résumé :
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Background : Long-term tracheostomised patients have reported unchanged need for hospital care regardless of the tracheostomy. The patients' observed life spans were also remarkably high and for many patients not lower than for a Swedish population in general(1). Furthermore, patients with invasive homemechanical ventilation have reported a good health(2). Aim : The aim of this study was to examine health-related quality of life (HRQL) and patient experiences of long-term tracheostomy. Material and Methods : The study was conducted at the National Respiratory Centre (NRC) in Stockholm, Sweden, an outpatient unit with regular continuous follow-up service for patients with long-term tracheostomy. Nineteen patients; n = 5 women and n = 14 men, mean age 62 years, range 23 - 84 years, with long-term tracheostomy (mean = 5 years, range 6 months-16 years) were included in the study. Two questionnaires were adopted, i.e. the Swedish version of the SF-36 short-form health survey and a study specific questionnaire with possibility for the patient to write additional comments. The questionnaires were sent out by postalmail. Results : The patients were satisfied with their tracheostomy and demonstrated a mean mental health status score on the SF-36 scale above that of the general population, but they were physically limited. The majority of the patients felt that their tracheostomy tubes were comfortable and functional and that regular treatments at the NRC had a positive effect on their well-being. Conclusions : Patients with long-term tracheostomy were content with their treatment and tracheostomy and reported a good mental HRQL despite physical limitations. 1. Björling G et al. A restrospective survey of Outpateints with long-term trachestomy. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2006;50(4) :399-406. 2.MarkströmA et al. Quality-of-life evaluation of patients with neuromuscular and skeletal diseases treated with non-invasive and invasive home mechanical ventilation. Chest.2002;122(5) :1695-700.
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