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Protocol directed weaning reduced time spent on mechanical ventilation

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Objective

To compare protocol directed weaning from mechanical ventilation by nurses and respiratory therapists with physician directed weaning.

Design

Randomised controlled trial with follow up to discharge.

Setting

4 medical and surgical intensive care units in 2 university teaching hospitals in the USA.

Patients

357 patients (50% surgical, median age 66 y, 53% women) who were age > 18 years and required mechanical ventilation. Exclusion criteria were head or facial burns or trauma, previous mechanical ventilation in another hospital, or mechanical ventilation needed for organ retrieval.

Intervention

Patients were stratified by intensive care unit site, and allocated to protocol directed weaning (n=179) or physician directed weaning (n=178). Protocol directed weaning was done by nurses and respiratory therapists when the underlying conditions for …

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Footnotes

  • Source of funding: in part, Barnes-Jewish-Christian Hospitals Innovation in Healthcare Program.

  • For article reprint: Dr M H Kollef, Pulmonary and Critical Care Division, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8052, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. Fax +1 314 362 1334.