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CS447
Ventilator Liberation Unit
By: Donna Bond; Carilion Clinic; Roanoke VA
For further information, please contact: dcbond@carilion.com
Purpose: Patients who receive mechanical ventilation as a means of life support are a very special population with unique requirements. Today’s technology enables severely ill patients to survive major medical crises.
Description: After reviewing the literature, a method of strengthening the patient emotionally and physically for independent breathing and concentrating mechanical ventilation liberation care was developed among a core of experienced, dedicated healthcare professionals working as a team. The Ventilator Liberation Unit (VLU) was established to provide a collaborative effort between nursing, respiratory, medical staff, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, case management, social work services, and nutrition to present a concentrated effort to wean selected patients from mechanical ventilation. Patients who have failed prior attempts to wean from mechanical ventilation are screened by the CNS, RRT, and MD and are accepted into the program if specific criteria are met. The goal of this project is to liberate patients from mechanical ventilation and expedite discharge from the hospital. While participating in this program an interdisciplinary team works with the patient concentrating on motor function, cognitive function, nutrition, and communication while preparing the patient to transit to a home or extended care setting.
Evaluation and Outcomes: Since the opening of the unit a total of three patients have been admitted. One patient was considered slow to wean, the other two patients were deemed chronic and a ventilator nursing home bed was being pursued. All three were successfully weaned form mechanical ventilation in 6.3 days, range 3 to 9 days. Two patients were discharged home with home health, the third patient was discharged to a rehabilitation facility.
Poster Presentation: Click on the icon below to launch
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