Table 1

Answers to survey questions concerning care of patients receiving NIPPV for acute exacerbations of COPD

No. of centres (%)
(1) Who makes the decision re initiating non-invasive ventilation?
 Respiratory physician80 (66%)
  Anaesthetist 4 (3%)
  Other (please specify) 7 (6%)
  Combination30 (25%)
(2) Who sets up non-invasive ventilation?
 Nurse18 (15%)
  Physiotherapist11 (9%)
  Doctor40 (33%)
  Combination49 (41%)
(3) Where is non-invasive ventilation initiated?
 General ward20 (16%)
  Respiratory ward30 (24%)
  HDU15 (12%)
  ITU16 (13%)
  Combination42 (34%)
(4) If you have NIPPV in your hospital, how was it purchased?
 Trust equipment budget46 (41%)
  Research or charitable funds41 (37%)
  Both25 (22%)
(5) If you do not use or have easy access to NIPPV, why is this?
 Financial67 (62%)
  Lack of experience with this form of treatment56 (52%)
  Lack of other staff with experience with this treatment67 (62%)
  Doubt about the benefit of this treatment16 (15%)