Introduction: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) could be an important palliative measure to manage dyspnoea in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Aims and objectives: To systematically map published studies on the use of NIV in the palliative care of patients with COPD, describing the perspectives and experiences of patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals (HCPs).

Methods: A scoping review was conducted utilizing the methodological framework of Arksey and O?Malley. AMED, CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PEDro and PsycInfo were searched from inception to November 2022. Pairs of authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data. The data were organised thematically and then discussed in a consultation exercise with five nurses from respiratory units and intensive care units.

Results: The review included 28 studies. Studies that investigated HCPs? perspectives and experiences mainly included physicians. One study included relatives. Four themes were identified: preferences and attitudes towards using NIV; patient participation in the decision-making process of NIV treatment; conflicting results on perceived benefits and burdens of NIV treatment; and heterogenous clinical outcomes in experimental studies. Patients perceived NIV as an important measure to keep them alive.

Conclusion: HCPs may not perceive NIV as a palliative measure. Future studies should evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of NIV as a palliative measure to manage dyspnoea and investigate the use of NIV in the palliative care of patients with COPD from the view of all stakeholders.