Table 1 Description of the four interventions

IV therapy:

Used on a short-term basis to treat severe infections. The antibiotic drug can be delivered via a catheter in the patient's vein using different mechanical or electronic devices. Programmable pumps, which are battery-powered and can be carried in a shoulder bag, are seen as more reliable. Pumps are equipped with an alarm that warns of an occlusion, inadequate connection of tubes, or low battery.

Parenteral nutrition (PN):

Used when oral nutrition is no longer feasible due to a disease (e.g. Crohn's disease, cancer of the digestive tract). Fluids and nutritive solutions are delivered via the patient's vein with the help of a programmable pump. A catheter is surgically inserted on a long-term basis. Patients are required to comply with very strict aseptic procedures. Patients generally use the device every day, and it may take up to 8 hours (overnight) to deliver the required amount of solution.

Peritoneal dialysis (PD):

An alternative to hospital-based hemodialysis that is designed to remove urea from the blood. It also involves the insertion of a permanent catheter, in this case through the peritoneal cavity, which requires compliance with aseptic procedures. A liquid is inserted in the peritoneal cavity and flushed out. Using an electronic device, patients can set automated exchanges to occur overnight, but when using a gravity system, patients have to manually perform 3 to 5 exchanges per day.

Oxygen therapy (O2):

Prescribed to patients with severe hypoxemia (due to pulmonary dysfunction). Oxygen is delivered by a fixed concentrator, via a 15-meter tube and nasal device. Patients normally use it up to 18 hours a day. Portable cylinders may be used for short periods (2–4 hours). A small oxygen-saving device allows oxygen to be delivered only when the patient is inspiring.