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 NICE NG42.
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 NICE NG42.
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 NICE NG42.
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 NICE NG42.