Quality of life and quality of care data from a 7-year pilot project for home ventilator patients.

A research demonstration pilot project for hospitalized adult and pediatric long-term ventilator-dependent patients was conducted by Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region from 1985 until 1992. The purpose of the pilot project was to investigate if home care was a realistic alternative to continued hospital care. Many aspects of home care as compared to hospital care were studied. The results of the quality of life and quality of care study in addition to cost data are presented in this paper. Standardized questionnaire tools were used to obtain patient data from the perspective of the patient, as well as others providing direct patient care. Respondents were asked to measure perceptions of quality of life and quality of care at home versus at the hospital in regard to health status, life satisfaction, emotional well-being, caregiver ability, and professional care and services. Quality of care was found to be similar to hospital care. Quality of life was judged to be better at home.