Long-term ventilation (LTV) in children is increasingly common due to advances in neonatal and paediatric care and improved survival rates in children with complex conditions. LTV may be delivered invasively via a tracheostomy tube or non-invasively using a mask interface, across a range of settings including hospital wards and patients' homes. This article provides an overview of LTV, including definitions, types of ventilation, equipment and monitoring, and key aspects of daily nursing care. It also explores mobility and development, partnership with families and managing risk. Understanding the principles of LTV in children and their application in practice is essential for nurses to provide safe, effective and family-centred care for this growing population.
Young people who have caring responsibilities, usually for a family member, can experience a range of adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Healthcare professionals have a crucial role in providing these individuals with support, however there is inadequate recognition and identification of young carers who access healthcare services. This systematic literature review aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals in identifying and supporting young carers. Seven studies were selected for review. Thematic analysis generated four themes: knowledge and perceptions of young carers; the challenge of identification; individual versus family approaches to supporting young carers; and interdisciplinary working. Overall, the findings indicate a need for further education of healthcare professionals about young carers, and a more proactive and holistic family-based assessment approach to enhance identification of young carers and provide them with the support they require.
