First 10EM - By Justin Morgenstern - July 26, 2021
The paper
Ruangsomboon O, Dorongthom T, Chakorn T et al. High-Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Relieving Dyspnea in Emergency Palliative Patients With Do-Not-Intubate Status: A Randomized Crossover Study. Ann Emerg Med. 2020 May;75(5):615-626. doi: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.09.009. PMID: 31864728
Bottom line
There are significant limitations to a small, unblinded, single centered study. However, the expected costs (assuming you already have these devices) and harms are very low, and the benefits can be immediately assessed for the patient in front of you. Therefore, this is enough evidence to support using high flow humidified nasal cannula for palliative care patients, if that is not already your practice..