Outcomes in Studies for Individuals Receiving Home Mechanical Ventilation: Scoping Review

Background Home mechanical ventilation (HMV) is a life-sustaining therapy for individuals with chronic respiratory failure. Despite a high morbidity and mortality of patients using HMV, few clinical trials inform practice. HMV-related research is impacted by the absence of a core outcome set (COS). This scoping review informs the development of a COS to be reported in interventional studies for individuals requiring HMV. Methods We conducted a scoping review including interventional and cohort studies recruiting adults and children receiving HMV. We searched six databases in March 2026, and conducted citation tracking of relevant studies. Study screening and data extraction were conducted independently in duplicate. We categorised outcomes using the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) 38-domain taxonomy, and assessed reporting quality using established criteria. Results Of 21 467 records screened, 287 studies were included: 78% adult, 18% paediatric, and 4% mixed populations. Studies evaluated HMV initiation (56%), patient interventions (31%), caregiver interventions (11%); or a combination of components (2%). We identified 71 distinct primary and 100 distinct secondary outcomes representing all COMET core areas. Primary outcomes were frequently in the respiratory, hospital, and mortality/survival domains, while respiratory, delivery of care, and global quality of life outcomes were predominant among secondary outcomes. Outcome reporting quality was high in 68% of studies. Conclusion Outcome selection in HMV studies is highly variable, supporting the need for a COS to improve consistency of future research informing clinical decision-making and policy.