Exploring the evidence base of the use of non-invasive ventilation

Identifying themes to inform nursing decisions when caring for patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on noninvasive ventilation: A qualitative descriptive study

Prior studies analyzing patient experience with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) found the most impactful interaction that patients remembered was with nurses, however a survey of nurses regarding the management of patients treated with NIV has shown that most nurses felt unprepared to care for these sick patients. Our qualitative descriptive study explored the current nursing experience using NIV as a treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Nine (n = 9) subject matter expert nurses practicing in a variety of clinical settings participated in semi-structured interviews. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research checklist was followed for interview development. Interview transcripts were subsequently analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Themes identified from the interviews pertained to patient assessment, novice nurses' need for clinical support, team communication, and nursing education. Improving interprofessional team communication and collaboration skills, and implementing guidelines for NIV utilization were specified as essential components of NIV education for nurses. Even though the nursing role in the care of AECOPD NIV patient could be institution dependent, the themes presented in our study are useful in identifying opportunities for NIV nursing education and areas for further research. Patient or Public Contribution: Nurses served as interviewees for this study.

The use of home non-invasive ventilation and the reduction of inhospital mortality of patients with respiratory failure

OBJECTIVES

To establish the relationship between the use of home non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and inhospital mortality in people admitted due to exacerbation of their respiratory disease.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study with 191 cases of patients attended at the emergency department of the Reina Sofía General University Hospital in Murcia due to ARF of any cause and who required NIV as supportive treatment.

RESULTS

Mortality among patients using NIV as routine home treatment was 6.45%, compared to 20.1% among those who did not use it (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

routine domiciliary treatment with NIV has been shown to be a protective factor against inpatient hospital mortality for patients who underwent NIV during their admission, through the emergency department, for acute respiratory failure or acute chronic disease, regardless of the triggering pathology.

Acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema: reflecting on the management of an intensive care unit patient

AIM

The aim of this paper is to reflect upon the management interventions of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and diuretic therapy that were implemented for a patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema.

BACKGROUND

Acute pulmonary oedema is a serious and life-threatening complication of acute heart failure, particularly if this results from an ischaemic event. Statistics highlight that of those patients treated for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, approximately only one third were alive after 1 year. Many of these patients will require intensive care management in order to restore homeostasis. It is therefore imperative that nurses understand the condition and the relevant management of it in order to maximize the already poor prognosis.

RESULTS

Using Driscoll's (2000) reflective model to guide critical thinking, this paper reflects on the management of one patient who was admitted to ICU with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema as a result of heart failure. Although there are many aspects of patient management that can be explored, specific care interventions that this patient received in relation to NIV and diuretic therapy will be considered. The evidence base for their use, together with the relevant nursing management issues, and patient implications will be critically analysed and outlined.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper identifies that standard therapy for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is largely supportive and aimed at promoting gaseous exchange. It also highlights that nurses have a key role in ensuring that these essential treatments are as efficacious as possible.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

By using a reflective analysis approach, this paper highlights how reflecting on practice improves knowledge and understanding of the use of NIV and diuretic therapy interventions and should facilitate nurses working in ICU to become more competent in ensuring that the treatment provided for acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema is as successful as possible.