Implementation of evidence on management of pleural diseases: insights from a territory-wide survey of clinicians in Hong Kong.

Background: Major advances in management of common pleural diseases have taken place in the past decade. However, pleural diseases are often managed by physicians of diverse training background and research on implementation of new knowledge is scanty. We aim to evaluate the practice pattern in pleural medicine among physicians in Hong Kong, for identification of possible gaps for clinical service improvement.

Noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute hypercapnic exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who refused endotracheal intubation.

Objective: To determine the long-term outcome of noninvasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients who refused intubation for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.

Design: Prospective, observational study.

Setting: Noninvasive ventilation unit in an acute regional hospital in Hong Kong.