Implementing a Weaning Protocol for Cardiac Surgery Patients Using Simulation: A Quality Improvement Project

The objectives of this project were to decrease cardiac surgery patients' ventilation hours and intensive care unit length of stay using a ventilator weaning protocol. Methods An evidence-based ventilator weaning protocol was developed, and nurses were prepared for its implementation using a simulation education program. Results Ventilator hours were reduced from 7.74 to 6.27 (t = 2.5, P = .012). The percentage of patients extubated in 6 hours increased from 40% to 63.5% (χ2 = 7.757, P = .005). There was no statistically significant decrease in cardiovascular intensive care unit length of stay (17.15 to 15.99, t = 0.619, P = .537). Nurses' scores on a knowledge test increased significantly from pre (6.11) to post (7.79) (t = −5.04, P
Source: Dimensions of Critical Care Nursing - Category: Nursing Tags: Educational DIMENSION Source Type: research