title: Optimizing outcomes in ventilator-dependent patients: challenging critical care practice.
abstract: This article examines the structure and process of a collaborative practice team established specifically to improve the quality and financial outcomes of ventilator-dependent patients in a tertiary care teaching hospital. A brief overview of descriptors regarding ventilator-dependent patients is synthesized from the literature and compared with the population at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Tex. An analysis of statistically significant physiologic variances that have been found to increase mechanical ventilation time or length of stay is detailed. Focused quality initiatives are discussed. Specific criteria indicative of improved outcomes are presented along with recommendations for future improvements.
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Kite-Powell
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sabau
authors.forename: K T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Ideno
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hartgraves
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Dahlberg
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000592:standards*; D019091:Critical Pathways; D006801:Humans; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing*