Are there any OPCS/ICD10 codes I can use to identify patients on LTV?
While there are procedural codes that describe ventilation, there is no OPCS or ICD10 code that describes length of time on ventilation or long-term ventilation.
How can I identify patients receiving LTV in my hospital?
These patients will need to be identified by a clinical study contact as they cannot be searched for using procedural codes on hospital PAS systems. The study contact should be someone who manages/cares for these patients and can easily identify them. This could include: a respiratory physician, an LTV specialist, an Intensivist, a specialist nurse, a paediatric consultant, a service manager etc.
Can I set up multiple study contacts in different departments?
Yes, you can structure the study contacts however you like to best suit your organisation.
Can I, as the Local Reporter, remain as the primary contact for the study?
Yes.
How is long-term ventilation defined?
Long-term ventilation will be defined as ventilation provided every day for 3 months (including CPAP) where the intention is/was to discharge the patient home on the same level of continuing respiratory support (not home oxygen).
Which types of ventilation will this include?
Both invasive ventilation (tracheostomy) and NIV will be included in the study.
We do not initiate LTV, will we be included in the study?
All centers where someone receiving LTV can be cared for will be included in the study. We are looking at the quality of care delivered to both those just initiated on LTV and those who have been established on LTV and are on a follow up pathway.
Are patients who are tracheostomy dependent but not on ventilation included in the study?
Patients who are tracheostomy dependent but not on ventilation will not be included.
Are patients who are on intermittent CPAP at night included in the study?
Yes, if they fall under the study definition of long-term ventilation.
Are patients who have obstructive sleep apnoea included in the study?
Yes, if they have been on ventilation for 3 months or more and the intention is/was to discharge them home on the same level of respiratory support (not oxygen). This will not apply to the majority of patients with OSA, only those who have complex underlying conditions.
Patients receiving LTV are managed elsewhere in my area, will we be included in the study?
If your organization has an Emergency Department then yes you will be included in the organizational data collection portion of the study regardless of where patients receiving LTV are normally managed in your area. But if you do not manage, or would not admit patients receiving LTV then you will not be included in the patient data collection portion of the study and will therefore not need to set up a study contact.
Are patients on Airvo included in the study?
No.
Are patients on overnight BIPAP included in the study?
If the patient is on overnight BIPAP for 3 months or more then yes they are included in the study.
Are patients receiving high flow oxygen included in the study?
No these patients are not included in the study.
Is the study reviewing repatriations?
No, we are not looking repatriations. In terms of admissions to hospital, we are just looking at the most recent ACUTE admission during the study period.