Published: December 2021. Next review: 2024.
When an adult patient has COVID-19 and cannot maintain adequate oxygen saturations (SpO2), the timely and effective use of respiratory supports plays a key role in reducing the length and severity of the course of COVID-19. It can also reduce the likelihood of admission to intensive care by up to 25%.
This clinical practice guide is for clinicians to deliver respiratory supports to adult patients who have COVID-19 and are admitted to inpatient wards outside of intensive care. It is designed to inform local policies and procedures, which should be current and reviewed regularly.
Topics:
- Prone positioning
- Respiratory supports
- Nursing care considerations
- Principles of weaning respiratory supports
- Escalation to intensive care
- Limits of therapy and end of life
Download the clinical respiratory support in adults with COVID-19 guide (PDF 273.4 KB)
Online learning pathway
The clinical practice guide is supported by two modules available on the My Health Learning platform for NSW Health staff.
- Donning and fit checking of P2 or N95 respirators in NSW healthcare settings
Course code: 319438161 - Respiratory support for adult patients with COVID-19
Course code: 392130665
Related resources
Management of stable acute respiratory infections during increased peak activity periods in NSW (PDF 548.5 KB)
Published: May 2023. Next review: 2024.
Care of adult patients with COVID-19 in acute inpatient wards (PDF 323.6 KB)
Published: September 2021. Next review: 2024.
Management of adults with COVID-19 in the post-acute phase (PDF 444.3 KB)
Published: October 2021. Next review: 2024.
Guidance for the use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and antiviral agents as prophylaxis or to prevent severe infection from COVID-19 in NSW
Published: March 2023. Next review: 2025.