Observational Study on Weaning Process and Outcomes in Adults Using Mechanical Ventilation in Medical Intensive Care Units

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to describe the process and outcomes of weaning from mechanical ventilation in adult patients aged 19 years and older who have been on ventilation for at least two days in medical intensive care units. It focuses on understanding the characteristics of the weaning process and the factors that influence how long weaning takes and its results. The study is observational and conducted at a single center, collecting detailed clinical and laboratory data. The weaning process follows a protocol where respiratory care practitioners assess patients daily for readiness to breathe without ventilator support. Initially, criteria such as improvement in respiratory failure cause and stable clinical condition are checked. If met, a spontaneous breathing trial SBT is performed using either a T-piece trial with supplemental oxygen or pressure support ventilation, depending on the protocol period. The trial lasts 30 minutes on the first attempt and 2 hours on the second, with immediate cessation upon signs of failure. Successful trials lead to extubation with oxygen support, and decisions regarding tracheostomy are made by clinicians without a fixed algorithm. Participants are closely monitored with data collected on demographics, causes of intubation, weaning readiness, ventilator settings, and respiratory parameters. These data are recorded daily and synchronized with electronic medical records. The main outcomes measured include successful weaning and classification of weaning outcomes over six months, based on established WIND criteria. The study requires no informed consent as it involves minimal risk and uses routine clinical data, with patient information anonymized.

Assessment of Process and Outcome of Protocol-based Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation in the Medical Patients