2004 Volume 6 Issue 4 Pages 281-291
Analyses were done on the health-related problems occurring while away from home among 12 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients dependent on Home Mechanical Ventilation (HMV). Out of 780 outside activity occasions 208 incident scenes were observed. A total of 227 health-related problems were observed, 128 (56.4%) of which were related to respiratory problems. The health related problems were initially categorized according to differing scenes of incidents. 115 incidents (50.7 %) were to do with ventilatory systems and 112 incidents (49.3 %) were to do with human systems other than the respiratory system. Further categorization was done according to such causal factors as relating to environments, care givers .attached devices, or others. The number of incidences were 105 (46.2 %), 73 (32.2 %), 21 (9.3 %), 28 (12.3 %), respectively. Analyses were also done by each stage of activities: going out, while out, coming back. When going out of the house, most health- related problems were related to environmental factors such as house bumps or limited space .During the out side activities, main causal factors were related to outside environment or care givers. When coming back, main causal factors were related to care givers. Above findings indicate: Improvement in the housing environment contributes to the decrease in the incidences that occur when going out Skilled caregivers with the ability to deal with unexpected situations are desirable during the out side activities. Support systems should be prepared for both patients and care givers who were fatigued after outside activities.
