Non-invasive ventilation support for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: multidisciplinary team management.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarise recent developments in the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (pwALS), with a specific focus on how multidisciplinary teams (MDT) can support best practice.

RECENT FINDINGS

We included 13 papers, 12 with observational designs and one qualitative interview design. The review is structured using four content domains: prognosis, the effectiveness of NIV, NIV tolerance, and MDT structure and delivery. Findings suggest a modest survival benefit of NIV for pwALS. Further evidence is needed to consider the appropriate time of initiation in the context of respiratory status and the influence of NIV on cognitive function over the course of the disease. A key emerging determinant of tolerability of NIV is secretion load. Palliative care professionals within the MDT can play a key role in supporting pwALS to consider the potential benefits of NIV in the context of their preferences, prognosis, symptom burden, and ALS variant.

SUMMARY

ALS MDTs allow timely information sharing about NIV between experts that is likely to improve outcomes. MDT practice must continually adapt to reflect pwALS's preferences for care and ensure those caring for them at home have access to support using digital innovations.