Survey into mechanical ventilation and weaning role responsibilities.
BACCN and the Intensive Care society are currently supporting a national survey of nurse managers and medical directors into mechanical ventilation and weaning role responsibilities in all adult, paediatric and neonatal ICUs in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. The study is being conducted by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast.
The reason for undertaking the survey is to determine the nurse’s role in decision-making related to ventilation and weaning. Many studies have described the implementation of nurse-led weaning protocols, but evidence for the effectiveness of weaning protocols is inconsistent. Arguably, protocols enable nurses to practice ventilation decision-making with a degree of autonomy, however it remains uncertain whether it is the specific protocol, the autonomous role of the nurse, or the collaborative culture within the ICU that impacts on the duration of weaning. In addition, little is known about the extent of weaning protocol use in ICUs in the UK.
The purpose of this survey is to develop a profile of role responsibility and nursing scope of practice for key ventilation and weaning decisions in ICUs in the United Kingdom (UK). The data will provide important baseline information on current UK mechanical ventilation and weaning practice. Findings will be disseminated through publication in relevant journals and through presentations at BACCN and the ICS meetings and will be beneficial for subsequent research in this area. The data will form part of a comparative paper on European weaning practice as the survey is also being conducted within other European countries.
We hope that you will inform other staff in your ICUs and provide your support for the survey.
Dr Bronagh Blackwood
Financial Director BACCN
