Abstract
AIMS: The number of ventilator-dependent patients is rapidly increasing globally. As a result, long-term mechanical ventilation (LTMV) patients face the choice of receiving health care in respiratory care wards (RCWs) rather than at home. In this study, we applied Andersen's behavioral theoretical model (ABM) to investigate the determinants of the health care service decisions of patients receiving LTMV. METHODS: A cross-sectional research design and cluster random sampling were used to select 365 participants from nine RCWs and eight home care facilities in northern Taiwan. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the predisposing factors, advanced age and an education level of at least junior high school influenced the choice to use RCW services. Being married, living with extended family, and medium or higher socioeconomic status were associated with the decision to use home care services. Of the enabling factors, patients with more caregivers, those whose family caregivers held strong beliefs about providing care, and those who perceived greater social support from health care providers were more likely to choose home care services. Of the need factors examined, poor cognitive function and higher dependence on assistance for activities of daily living (ADL) increased the probability of patients choosing RCW services. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis indicated that our final model accounted for 44.8% of the observed variance in health care service choice. CONCLUSIONS: ABM enables an improved understanding of the health care service choices of LTMV patients. Our findings also highlight the importance of rigorously assessing patient needs and helping patients choose the most appropriate health care service.