• S M Burns, B Ryan, and J E Burns.
• University of Virginia Health Systems, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA.
• Crit. Care Med. 2000 Jul 1; 28 (7): 2259-67.

ObjectiveTo determine whether four stages of weaning (acute, prewean, wean, and outcome) could be identified by using clinical instruments designed to quantify severity of illness, patient stability, or weaning readiness. The instruments used were the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE III), the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS), the Burns Wean Assessment Program (BWAP), and the Wean Index (WI). The stages were adapted from those proposed by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Third National Study Group's Weaning Continuum Model.DesignProspective, convenience cohort. This study was part of a larger study designed to test an outcomes managed approach to weaning by using an outcomes manager and a clinical pathway.SettingUniversity medical intensive care unit.PatientsAdult patients requiring mechanical ventilation >3 days admitted to the medical intensive care unit between November 1994 and May 1995.InterventionsNone.Measurements And Main ResultsScores for the APACHE III, TISS, BWAP, and WI were collected on 97 patients every other day until they weaned, were transferred, or died. Outcomes described for each stage of weaning were dated on the clinical pathway when achieved. Comments about patient stability and ventilator progress also were recorded along with a subjective determination of the stage of weaning. We used decision rules to identify time intervals for each stage of weaning and outcomes attained by stage. Finally, APACHE III, TISS, BWAP, and WI scores were placed in each stage by date for analysis. The APACHE III, TISS, and BWAP scores were able to differentiate the acute, prewean, and wean stages but not the outcome stage.ConclusionsBy identifying distinct scores for each stage, we may be able to better explore appropriate interventions for the stages as well as predict weaning outcomes. Indices that include physiologic and respiratory factors can differentiate weaning stages, but respiratory factors alone cannot.

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