Palliative Care and Noninvasive Ventilation

Abstract

Palliative care is important for many patients who require noninvasive ventilation. The particular needs of patients with neuromuscular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are explored. Advance care planning is explored with tips for undertaking this important communication task. Brief comments regarding symptom burden, weaning, voluntary assisted dying, and self-care are included.

Keywords: Advance care planning (ACP); Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); End-of-life care; Neuromuscular disease; Noninvasive ventilation (NIV); Palliative care.