The utility of weaning protocols to expedite liberation from mechanical ventilation.
Over the past decade, a number of studies have examined methods of hastening liberation of patients from mechanical ventilation. This article outlines weaning protocols that have been proven superior to weaning performed by board-certified intensivists. The author also presents techniques to faciliate the implementation of weaning protocols based on the published experience of one hospital.
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Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, and Critical Care Medicine, The Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-4760, USA. wes.ely@mcmail.vanderbilt.edu
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D015300:Ventilator Weaning