Don’t continue mechanical ventilation without a daily assessment for the patient’s ability to breathe spontaneously using coordinated spontaneous breathing and awakening trials.

Screening for readiness for liberation from mechanical ventilation with spontaneous breathing trials allows clinicians earlier recognition of patients that may be liberated from mechanical ventilation.

Sources:

Girard TD, et al. Efficacy and safety of a paired sedation and ventilator weaning protocol for mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care (Awakening and Breathing Controlled trial): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2008 Jan 12;371(9607):126-34. PMID: 18191684.

Girard TD et al. An Official American Thoracic Society/American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline: Liberation from Mechanical Ventilation in Critically Ill Adults. Rehabilitation Protocols, Ventilator Liberation Protocols, and Cuff Leak Tests. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2017 Jan 1;195(1):120-133. PMID: 27762595