Patient–ventilator interaction (PVI) has been extensively addressed in the literature, but there is no agreement on terms and definitions used. The result is that articles and books present concepts and terms that are inconsistent, confusing, and many times based on obsolete legacy ideas. To solve this problem, we propose a set of basic rules and standard nomenclature from which to establish a formal taxonomy and basis for its measurement. We also highlight some areas for research on PVI definitions, measurement, and clinical needs. Taxonomies have 2 components: a set of definitions relevant to the topic (called a standardized vocabulary) and a hierarchical organizational structure. This article offers a description of both components for the special purpose of understanding PVI.
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