User perspectives on issues that influence the quality of daily life of ventilator-assisted individuals with neuromuscular disorders.

Objectives: To identify user perspectives on the issues that impact the quality of the daily lives of ventilator-assisted individuals living in the community.

Methods: Semistructured interviews were held with 26 Canadian ventilator-assisted individuals (mean age 44+/-14 [SD] years, range 23 to 60 years; mean ventilator experience 18+/-13 years, range three to 53 years) whose disability from neuromuscular conditions necessitated assistance with activities of daily living. Participants described their daily life experiences and perceptions of the factors that limited or enhanced their quality.