Non-invasive mechanical ventilation in medical care for the terminally ill patient

Abstract

Introduction: non-invasive mechanical ventilation is a measure of ventilatory support, vital for patients with respiratory failure. In Cuba it is used only in intensive care and emergency units, where patients in serious condition are admitted.

Objective: to describe the current use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation as a first-line palliative measure in critical care units, from the bioethical point of view.

Method: the national and international bibliography of the last five years, available in Internet databases and in printed format, was reviewed. Based on the selected works, this article was prepared.

Development: in a terminally ill patient, life support through non-invasive mechanical ventilation would be an adequate and proportionate alternative to alleviate dyspnea, without accelerating or delaying death. Even so, its indication must be individualized based on clinical and bioethical criteria, where in addition the doctor must take into account essential requirements such as a certain degree of collaboration from the patient and its hemodynamic and neurological stability.

Conclusions: Non-invasive mechanical ventilation can be used as an adequate and proportionate, first-line palliative measure in care units for the critically ill in the terminal state. However, health personnel must always take into account both the bioethical principles that govern medical action and the inconveniences that this therapeutic option is not exempt from, in order to make the pertinent decisions