Non-invasive ventilation guidelines for adult patients with acute respiratory failure

This document is currently undergoing a significant review. Please be aware that advances have been made over the last 8 years in non-invasive technologies and application of therapy. Please ensure you follow local policy and procedure documents when applying non-invasive respiratory support to a patient in your care and consider the most recent available evidence.

Over the past three decades the application of non-invasive ventilation has emerged as a core therapy in the management of patients with acute and chronic respiratory failure. While the use of NIV in acute respiratory failure was initially confined to the critical care setting it is now well accepted that some patients can be effectively managed in alternative settings where appropriate resources, expertise and staffing are available.

With a rapidly emerging evidence base and the availability of constantly improving ventilator technology, keeping up to date with NIV can be a challenge for many clinicians. In NSW, there is considerable clinical variation between facilities and within facilities for utilisation of NIV and patient outcomes (NSW ICU Practice Audit, 2012). Evidence suggests the use of NIV in the management of acute respiratory failure may:

  • reduce the need for invasive ventilation
  • decrease the need for prolonged mechanical ventilation
  • improve patient outcomes
  • reduce hospital and ICU length of stay
  • reduce mortality and morbidity in those with acute on chronic respiratory failure (1, 2).
Non-invasive ventilation guidelines for adult patients with acute respiratory failure

Read the Non-invasive ventilation guidelines for adult patients with acute respiratory failure.

Disclaimer

The information on this page is general in nature and cannot reflect individual patient variation. It reflects Australian intensive care practice, which may differ from that in other countries. It is intended as a supplement to the more specific information provided by the doctors and nurses caring for your loved one. ICNSW attests to the accuracy of the information contained here but takes no responsibility for how it may apply to an individual patient. Please refer to the full disclaimer.