Long-term ventilation in children part 2: the transition from hospital to home and ongoing care at home

The transition from hospital to home for children receiving long-term ventilation (LTV) is a complex and gradual process. Safe and effective transition requires multidisciplinary input, family-centred care, shared decision-making and balanced risk management. The nurse's role within the multidisciplinary team includes coordinating care, supporting families and delegating complex tasks to trained carers. Challenges of providing ongoing care at home include workforce pressures, lack of leadership support, suboptimal collaboration between services and the need to find a balance between safety and quality of life. This article provides an overview of the transition from hospital to home and ongoing care at home for children receiving LTV. A case study illustrates the practical realities of transition and the importance of planning, communication and carer training in achieving positive outcomes for the child and their family.