Use of non-invasive ventilation in UK emergency departments. Issue 12 (27th November 2006) - Browning, J
Abstract : Aim: To describe the current use of non-invasive ventilation in UK emergency departments. Methods: A structured questionnaire was sent to all UK emergency departments assessing 25, 000 new patients annually. Results: 222 of 233 departments completed the questionnaire. 148 currently use non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Most used NIV for either cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (n = 128) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 115). Only 49 departments have protocols for NIV use and 23 audited practice. Conclusion: NIV is commonly used in UK emergency departments. Practices vary significantly. One solution would be the development of guidelines on when and how to use NIV in emergency medicine practice.