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Respiratory failure is one of the most important and common causes of patient admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU). In the last few years, non-invasive ventilation has gained increased prominence in the management of a variety of conditions causing acute as well as chronic respiratory failure. Different modalities of non-invasive ventilation exist, with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) being the most commonly used modes. Average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) is a relatively newer modality of non-invasive ventilation that integrates the characteristics of both volume and pressure-controlled non-invasive ventilation. This activity reviews the utilization of average volume-assured pressure support in the intensive care unit and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the management of patients with respiratory failure using this modality of non-invasive ventilation. Objectives: Describe the functioning mechanism of average volume-assured pressure support. Summarize the clinical significance of average volume-assured pressure support. Outline the complications of average volume-assured pressure support. Explain the importance of collaboration and communication amongst the interprofessional team to enhance the delivery of care for patients on average volume-assured pressure support. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Respiratory failure is one of the most important and common causes of patient admissions to the intensive care unit. It has a plethora of causes and, depending on the duration of the condition can be broadly categorized as either acute or chronic respiratory failure. Treatment of the underlying cause and supportive measures involving the utilization of ventilatory support form the fundamental principles in the management of respiratory failure.[1][2][3] In the last few years, non-invasive ventilation has gained increased prominence in the management of a variety of conditions causing acute as well as chronic respiratory failure. As studies demonstrating its benefits have materialized, its usage has become more widespread and widely accepted. Contrary to invasive ventilation, which uses an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube, non-invasive ventilation makes use of nasal masks, oronasal masks, total face masks, mouthpieces, or helmets for respiratory assistance. Without causing any of the complications of invasive ventilation, non-invasive ventilation ultimately achieves adequate gaseous exchange, correcting hypoxemia and/or hypercapnia. Different modalities of non-invasive ventilation exist, with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) being the most commonly used modes. Average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS) is a relatively newer modality of non-invasive ventilation that integrates the characteristics of both volume and pressure-controlled non-invasive ventilation.[4][5][6][7] This review article focuses on AVAPS, its functioning, clinical significance, complications, and interprofessional communication to enhance health care outcomes.

AVAPS is a relatively newer modality of non-invasive ventilation. It necessitates good collaboration amongst the interprofessional team of medical professionals to ensure the appropriate selection of candidates for average volume-assured pressure support. Operating a ventilator is occasionally considered difficult and requires good experience and training to ensure successful therapy without causing any negative harm. To avert the risks associated with it, effective communication and teamwork between the critical care specialist, pulmonologist, internist, critical care nurse, respiratory therapists, and the healthcare workers in the ICU is essential to resuscitate the patient and improve patient outcomes.[26]