When administered as first-line intervention to patients admitted with acute hypercapnic respiratory failure secondary to COPD exacerbation in conjunction with guideline-recommended therapies, noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been shown to reduce mortality and endotracheal intubation. Opportunities to increase uptake of NIV continue to exist despite inclusion of this therapy in clinical guidelines. Identifying patients appropriate for NIV, and subsequently providing close monitoring to determine an improvement in clinical condition involves a team consisting of physician, nurse, and respiratory therapist in institutions that successfully implement NIV. Published in CHEST journal (June, 2024) is the first known evidence-based algorithm speaking to initiation, titration, monitoring, and weaning of NIV in treatment of acute exacerbation of COPD that incorporates the necessary interprofessional collaboration among physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists caring for these patients. Emphasis on the nursing role in the interprofessional team and challenges experienced will be presented.

Mary Jo S. Farmer, MD, PhD completed her PhD from Boston University School of Medicine and her post-doctooral research and MD from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Farmer practices pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine at Mass General Brigham – Salem Hospital, Salem, MA and Associate Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA. Dr. Farmer has academic interest and multiple publications in the field of interprofessional education. Dr. Farmer began her career in nursing as a practioner and educator.  An active member of the American College of CHEST Physicians, Dr. Farmer serves as Associate Editor for pulmonary vascular disease section of CHEST Pulmonary open access journal, as a member of CHEST Education Committee and member-ex-officio of the CHEST Pulmonary Vascular Disease Network, Clinical Problems Network, and Interprofessional Network.  Dr. Farmer was awarded the Distinguished CHEST Educator Award in 2023 and 2024.