Respiratory care
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Cardiac arrest (CA) remains a major cause of death despite advancements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), post-resuscitation care, and international efforts to develop evidence-based guidelines. Effectively managing ventilation and oxygenation during and after CPR is vital for patient survival and neurological outcomes, yet it remains a challenging task. This review examines current strategies for ventilation and oxygenation during and after CPR, focusing on evidence-based guidelines, the balance between ventilation effectiveness and risks, and proposed methods for monitoring ventilation quality. ⋯ The review also explores mechanical ventilation as an alternative to manual methods and the use of feedback devices. The impact of post-CA ventilation and oxygenation on patient outcomes and recommended management strategies are discussed. Finally, the review highlights current gaps in the literature and the need for more well-designed large clinical studies, such as the impact of different ventilation variables (tidal volume and respiratory rate) on the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and long-term outcomes.
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Numerous studies have demonstrated that hospice palliative care interventions for cancer patients can reduce health care utilzation. In Taiwan, 20-25% of patients who require mechanical ventilation are using prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV); however, only a limited number of studies have addressed the effectiveness of hospice palliative care for these patients. This study investigated the impact of hospice palliative care utilization on medical utilization among subjects using PMV. ⋯ Subjects undergoing PMV while receiving hospice palliative care experienced significant reductions in total hospitalization costs, ICU admissions, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and medical expenses within 14 d before death.
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Appropriate hospital-to-home transitional care has been recognized for its positive impact on health care usage and health outcomes in patients with COPD. However, there is limited research assessing its effects on patient-centered outcomes, focusing on patient symptoms and experiences. ⋯ Evidence-based transitional care services can exert positive effects on patient-centered indices. Our findings can be used as evidence of the need to establish patient-centered transitional care as a form of universal care for patients with COPD.
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This study aimed to describe the use of pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) in Spanish subjects in terms of sociodemographic, clinical, and functional characteristics in subjects with asthma or COPD on maintenance treatment with inhaled therapy. ⋯ The use of pMDI or DPI can vary according to age, both in asthma and COPD. Switching from pMDI to DPI and vice versa is relatively common. Despite the availability of dual- and triple-therapy inhalers on the market, a considerable number of subjects were treated with multiple devices.