Evaluation of a Systematic Approach to Weaning From Mechanical Ventilation

Implantation of a Multidisciplinary Ventilator-weaning Protocol in a Intensive Care Unit of Teaching Hospital of Federal University of Uberlandia

Prolongation of mechanical ventilation poses serious personal and financial threats to healthcare consumers.

The investigators objectives are create and implement an multidisciplinary evidenced-based ventilator-weaning protocol to assess whether a systematic approach compared with the physician's judgment only decreases time spent on the ventilator, complications of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in critical care unit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• remain in mechanical ventilation for more than 24 hours
• begin weaning from mechanical ventilation

Exclusion Criteria:

• admitted in the unit already in weaning from mechanical ventilation