Do not intubate order, is the misunderstanding finally over?

To intubate or not to intubate: that is the question.

The role of noninvasive ventilation in patients with “do not intubate” order in the emergency setting

BACKGROUND Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is being used increasingly in patients who have a "do not intubate" (DNI) order. However, the impact of NIV on the clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the emergency setting is not known, nor is its effectiveness for relieving symptoms in end-of-life care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this prospective study was to determine the outcome and HR...

Is non-invasive ventilation the best ventilatory support for 'do not intubate' patients?

response to the article by Schortgen and colleagues [2], who emphasised the use of non-invasive ventilation in the ICU as the best ventilatory treatment for ‘do not intubate’ octogenarian patients. Scala and Esquinas argued that ICU beds are scarce and that the ICU environ ment alters contact between the patient and family. We do not, however, entirely accept the views of Schortgen and colleagu...

Patient and Health-Care Provider Interpretation of do not Resuscitate and do not Intubate

BACKGROUND Advance directives and end of life care are difficult discussions for both patients and health-care providers (HCPs). A HCP requires an accurate understanding of advanced directives to educate patients and their family members to allow them to make an appropriate decision. Misinterpretations of the do not resuscitate (DNR), do not intubate (DNI), and the Physicians Orders for Life-Su...

Long-term survival in elderly patients with a do-not-intubate order treated with noninvasive mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is an effective tool in treating patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF), since it reduces both the need for endotracheal intubation and the mortality in comparison with nonventilated patients. A particular issue is represented by the outcome of NIMV in patients referred to the emergency department for ARF and with a do-not-intubate (DN...