Understanding neonatal non-invasive ventilation

Many of the babies admitted to the neonatal unit require some degree of respiratory support at varying levels for a given time period as dictated by individualised assessment of their overall condition. This Fact Sheet, following on from Oxygen therapy by Fallon (2012), offers an overview of current non-invasive ventilation practice in neonatal care focusing on the terms and modes used. The aim is for the reader to understand the range of strategies used to support the neonate’s respiratory system in line with the relevant evidence for delivery of best practice for the neonate and family.