HFNP Oxygen and Noninvasive Ventilation in Clinical Care

Humidified High Flow Nasal Prong Oxygen and Non-Invasive Ventilation (CPAP/BiPAP)

Course Accreditation

The course is an accredited learning activity for 6.5 hours for medical and nursing continuing professional development.

Latest Course update: November 2024

Designed for medical officers, nurses, paramedics and students in all medical fields.

Ventilation plays an increasing role in the management of seriously ill patients in the emergency department. Traditionally, ventilation has been limited to the delivery of positive pressure ventilation in the unconscious, intubated (often paralysed) patient. This is generally referred to as "assisted" or "mechanical" ventilation. In recent years, the use of noninvasive ventilation has become widespread due to research that has demonstrated the benefit of CPAP and BiPAP in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute pulmonary oedema, two of the most common causes for life-threatening presentations due to acute respiratory distress to the emergency department.

Another method of Noninvasive respiratory support, Humidified High Flow Nasal prong Oxygen (HFNP) is being increasingly used in the management of adults with severe respiratory distress and hypoxia. With a primary role as a bridge between low flow oxygen therapy (e.g., nasal specs at 2 l/min) and CPAP it may be often considered in patients with hypoxia receiving high flow oxygen mask therapy and in patients with severe respiratory distress requiring non-invasive ventilation. In this topic we will explore the evolving role of HFNP oxygen in clinical practice and distinguish which patients may be suitable for HFNP therapy and those in whom BIPAP should be used.

The course explores the following topics:

1. Humidified High Flow Nasal Prong Oxygen in Clinical Practice

2. Noninvasive Ventilation: Basic principles

3. Using CPAP in Acute Pulmonary Oedema

4. Using BiPAP in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Optional Module: Setting up the Oxylog ventilator for Noninvasive Ventilation