An educational program for home mechanical ventilation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

<bold>Background:</bold> Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Non-invasive (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) support respiratory function, but home management implies a high demand for patients and their caregivers. However, specific educational interventions lack. <bold>Aim:</bold> To describe the educational program for managing home mechanical ventilation offered to people with ALS and their caregivers within the multidisciplinary clinical care pathway of the hospital ALS Center (CRESLA) (Turin, Italy). <bold>Methods:</bold> CRESLA clinical documents and the protocols of the hospital Respiratory Rehabilitation Service were analyzed. <bold>Results:</bold> NIV education is usually performed in outpatient setting. Pneumologists and nurses train patients and caregivers about ventilator functions, management of respiratory interfaces, inhalation therapy, and detection of respiratory deterioration, while respiratory physiotherapists train about the use of assisted cough device. Nurses play a key role in improving compliance, helping patients find the best-tolerated respiratory interface, and giving advice to improve comfort, maintain skin integrity, and prevent respiratory tract infections. IMV education is performed at the hospital. Respiratory physiotherapists train caregivers about ventilator functions, management of tracheostomy cannula and inner cannula, tracheal suction, inhalation therapy and assisted cough device with the support of nurses who also train about tracheal dressing. Lastly, a certification of the skills acquired is released to caregivers. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Future studies should assess the effectiveness of this program in terms of satisfaction and clinical outcomes.