The experiences of nurses using noninvasive ventilation: An integrative review of the literature

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a common treatment delivered in critical care and is imperative in the management of many acute respiratory illnesses. Nurses are integral to the initiation and management of NIV, but there is a paucity of evidence on the experiences of nurses in this role.

The aim of this integrative review was to examine the current available research focused on nurses' experiences of using NIV across a variety of healthcare settings.

Database searches were conducted using EBSCOhost (health) databases, MEDLINE, and Science Direct. Search terms used were combinations of 'nurs∗' or 'experience∗' with 'noninvasive ventilation', 'non invasive ventilation', 'BiPAP', 'CPAP', or 'positive airway pressure'. Inclusion criteria were studies that focused on the experiences of nurses using NIV, were peer reviewed and published in English, and had research designs (collected and analysed quantitative and/or qualitative data). The studies that met the inclusion criteria were individually examined and rated in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for critical and interpretive research.

The literature search returned a possible 279 matches which were shortlisted based on the title and then again by abstract content before being reviewed in full. After application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, eight articles with a mix of qualitative and quantitative study designs were included in the review. The themes of education, communication, and guideline utilisation were common to many of the findings from both interviews and surveys.

The research examined in this literature review reported some difficulties associated with NIV use including limited education, communication, and variable guideline use. Despite this, nurses were generally able to use NIV to provide positive patient outcomes.

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