The use of a weaning and extubation protocol to facilitate effective weaning and extubation from mechanical ventilation in patients suffering from traumatic injuries: A non-randomized experimental trial comparing a prospective to retrospective cohort

Abstract

The use of a weaning and extubation protocol led by nursing staff and physiotherapists resulted in a clinically significant reduction in MV time, reducing risk of ventilator-associated complications. The role of physiotherapists and nursing staff in weaning and extubation from MV could be greatly expanded in South African ICUs.