Measuring Adherence to Long-Term Noninvasive Ventilation

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Obtaining benefits from long-term noninvasive ventilation (NIV) relies on achieving adequate adherence to treatment. Reported adherence to NIV is variable and could be influenced by high-volume users and attrition of nonusers and those who die. This observational study aimed to describe patterns of use and adherence rates in new unselected users of NIV. METHODS: All adults (> 18 y old) commencing long-term NIV were consecutively enrolled and followed for 6 months. Ventilator data were manually downloaded from devices and usage (minutes per day) was collected. Subjects were categorized into adherent users (≥ 4 h/d) and nonadherent users (< 4 h/d). RESULTS: Data were obtained from ..