TY - JOUR T1 - Training and confidence in the use of NIV/BiPAP amongst front-line medical staff in a teaching hospital setting JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 40 IS - Suppl 56 SP - P2044 AU - Imran Mahmud AU - Azhar Hussain AU - Ahmad Moinie AU - Ari Manuel AU - Hossam Fayed AU - Najib Rahman Y1 - 2012/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P2044.abstract N2 - Background: Non-invasive ventilation is an evidence-based and validated treatment for patients with type II respiratory failure, and is widely used in acute and chronic settings. Poor training/preparedness have been linked with poor patient outcomes.Aims and objectives: Staff confidence in managing patients on NIV is poorly described in the literature. Medical interns (with basic medical training) frequently care for patients on NIV during and outside normal working hours. We aimed to assess the preparedness and confidence of year 1 interns in managing patients on NIV within a teaching hospital in the UK. A structured questionnaire probed doctors' understanding, confidence and practical skills in administering NIV.Methods: 30 interns completed the questionnaire at a weekly mandatory teaching session. Answers were collated and analysed.Results: 43% of interns did not know what “BiPAP” stands for; 33% described their knowledge of NIV indications as inadequate; 87% had no formal teaching in the use of NIV; 87% described their practical knowledge of NIV as inadequate, and 70% felt their confidence in managing patients on NIV was inadequate. The overwhelming majority (90%) of respondents felt they needed formal training in the use of NIV to ensure patient safety.Conclusion: Our study illustrates worrying shortfalls in the training and confidence of front-line medical staff in the use of a medical intervention frequently found on hospital wards. This suggests a role for formal training at either the undergraduate or early postgraduate stage. ER -