Development of Ventilator Weaning Protocol in the Intensive care unit, Kosumphisai Hospital, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

Respiratory failure is a critical condition requiring mechanical ventilation. Prolonged use of mechanical ventilation increases the risk of complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), longer hospital stays, and higher treatment costs. This action research aimed to develop a ventilator weaning protocol in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Kosumphisai Hospital, guided by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses weaning process framework, which includes three phases: Pre-weaning, Weaning, and Weaning Outcome. The study was conducted from October 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, through three stages: situational analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Participants included 13 multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and 115 patients with respiratory failure who underwent endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Data were collected using patient care records and analyzed with descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results showed that 99 patients (86.08%) were successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation, with no incidence of VAP. The average duration of intubation and treatment costs were reduced, while healthcare providers reported greater confidence in assessment and decision-making. Satisfaction among the multidisciplinary team was at the highest level (mean score = 4.72). In conclusion, the developed protocol enhanced patient safety, care efficiency, and systematic practice, reduced complications, and should be continuously implemented and evaluated.