Evidence In ACTION: Nasal High Flow Therapy in the ED: Current Evidence and Clinical Implications

Nasal high flow (NHF) therapy has become an increasingly important respiratory support modality in the emergency department (ED), offering clinicians an effective option for managing patients with acute respiratory distress and hypoxemia. By delivering heated, humidified oxygen at high flow rates, NHF therapy can improve oxygenation, reduce work of breathing, enhance patient comfort, and potentially decrease the need for more invasive interventions.

This educational activity reviews the physiological principles underlying nasal high flow therapy and examines the latest evidence supporting its use in emergency care settings. Participants will gain practical knowledge on patient selection, initiation protocols, monitoring strategies, and clinical management considerations to optimize outcomes and support evidence-based respiratory care practices in the ED.

During this course, participants will:

• Describe the physiological effects of nasal high flow therapy on oxygenation and work of breathing.
• Summarize the current evidence for nasal high flow use in the emergency department.
• Apply evidence-based strategies for initiating and managing nasal high flow therapy in the ED.