Introduction: W know that non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is a basic ventilator support, but sometimes it fails, because of intolerance, lack of adherence, breach, etc. How can we anticipate that failure? We intend to explore the qualitative evidence on the experiences of people with this treatment and their formal and informal caregivers.
Method: Systematic literature review of original articles indexed from 2005 to 2015, which study the NIV in adult population with qualitative methodology in six databases. Peer review of scientific quality with tool of the CASPe Program. Qualitative metasynthesis of the findings.
Results: 15 articles met selection criteria, based on Grounded Theory and Phenomenology, which use interviews, observation and focus group, directed both patients, and families and health professionals. Its studies emphasize the feeling of anxiety and loss of control, although the NIV relieves them dyspnea (ambivalence). Search daily well-being through routines and active participation. Interaction dependence/autonomy, especially in decision-making, finding differences that make complex the process information and advance directives. Practical wisdom of nursing care 24 hours with patients id described basic, and difficulties being narrated: lack of time, overload of work, technocentrism, inexperience.
Conclulsions: The qualitative evidence of treatment with VNI is varied although scarce; different plots (acute situations, chronic, terminals) are explored, from different points of view. The integration of these findings in our practice will help us to increase adherence and become the treatment successful, but especially to improve the quality of life of ventilated patients and their families.