[The non-invasive ventilation protocol in use at the University Lewisham Hospital--London]

The term non-invasive ventilation (NIV) includes both continuous positive pressure ventilation (CPAP) and non-invasive (bi-level) positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV). The introduction of NIV in clinical practice improved significantly the outcomes in patients with respiratory failure. The fact that NIV machines are simple to use, do not require endotracheal intubation, and can save lives, has led to their increased use by non ITU personnel. However, for an efficient use of NIV it is very important that the patients are treated according to strict local protocols. In order to support the writing of local NIV protocols in Romania, we present here the NIV protocol in use at the University Lewisham Hospital, London, United Kingdom.