An International Survey on the Use of NIV Outside the ICU

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a way to support breathing using a mask or helmet instead of a breathing tube, and it is proven to reduce the need for intubation, save lives, shorten hospital stays, and lower costs. While NIV has long been used in intensive care units, it is now increasingly applied in emergency rooms, hospital wards, and long-term care facilities. However, global data on how it is used outside ICUs-such as which patients receive it, how well it works, and what barriers exist-is lacking. The NIV-Safety Study is a worldwide survey of doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists to understand current practices, outcomes, and challenges of NIV use beyond the ICU. The findings aim to guide safer, more effective, and standardized use of NIV across different healthcare settings.