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A Qualitative Study Into The Communication Surrounding The Initiation And Withdrawal Of Non-Invasive Ventilation (Niv) In People With Motor Neurone Disease, Charlotte Chapman

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Introduction

Motor neurone disease (MND) is a degenerative disease that adversely affects the nervous system and muscular control. Eventually respiratory muscles weaken, causing breathing, communication and swallowing difficulties, and ultimately, respiratory failure and death. Improved quality of life and potentially a short extension of life can be provided with non-invasive ventilation (NIV), which is offered to people with MND when symptoms of respiratory distress become evident.

It is recommended that end-of-life communication, encompassing the benefits and burdens of symptom-relieving interventions (NIV and percutaneous gastrostomy tube to assist with nutrition), NIV withdrawal (proposed when continued use is considered futile) and other …