When should I consider referring a patient for specialist assessment regarding non-invasive ventilation therapy?

Consider referring a patient for specialist assessment regarding non-invasive ventilation when they develop worsening respiratory impairment, such as increasing breathlessness, orthopnoea, or recurrent chest infections, especially if these symptoms are significant or progressive ¹.

Urgent referral should be considered for people with motor neurone disease (MND) who develop worsening respiratory impairment and are not already using non-invasive ventilation ¹.

Referral is also appropriate when discussing non-invasive ventilation at any stage of the illness, including at diagnosis, during monitoring of respiratory function, or when respiratory function deteriorates ¹.

Additionally, if the person or their family and carers need assessment of their ability and willingness to assist with ventilation or training needs, a specialist assessment should be arranged ¹.