[Non-invasive ventilation in Romania -- results of an inquiry among lung physicians]. / Ventilatia non-invaziva în Romania -- rezultatele unui chestionar aplicat pneumologilor.

ABSTRACT

Non-invasive ventilation (VNI), although it is a validated strategy for many years with serious scientific studies, remains a matter of acceptance by Romanian colleagues. In this investigation on 140 valid questionnaires we found that VNI was used by 22.1% of lung physicians, with the highest percentage of those under 40 years (30.8%); the home ventilation was indicated by 35.7% of colleagues, but actually only very few of them (5.2%) have experience which enables them to assert that they have a current practice. The major part of indications are related to COPD, chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Shortages in this field are manifold from lack of knowledge concerning the VNI benefits who generates uncertainty in guidance and monitoring, to zero home insurance coverage and shortage of equipment in hospitals and ambulatory services.