NIV in Palliative Medicine and End-of-Life Care: The Perspectives of Patients, Families and Clinicians

Use of noninvasive ventilation is controversial in the end-of-life patients. It may be seen as a comfort tool to alleviate breathlessness, but on occasions, it may increase suffering. At the end of life, clinicians must be prepared to stop noninvasive ventilation if the burdens outweigh the benefits. Effective communication with patients and family should determine the goals of care.