Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.)
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Axone (Dartmouth, N.S.) · Sep 1994
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialA comparative study of systemized vs. random tracheostomy weaning.
The purpose of this study was to compare a systematic tracheostomy weaning procedure to a random weaning approach by asking the question: "What is the benefit to the patient of a systematic vs. random weaning process for tracheostomy removal as defined by the number of weaning attempts and post-weaning complications?" A tracheostomy weaning procedure was developed at St. Boniface General Hospital as a joint venture between the neuroscience nurses and neurosurgeons in response to a perceived clinical need. This project evaluated the systemic procedure in two neuroscience units in Manitoba on ten adult patients who met the assessment criteria for tracheostomy removal established in the procedure. ⋯ Content analysis of the retrospective data indicates that the random tracheostomy weaning procedure was subject to the individual nurses' judgement. The systemized procedure was more standardized and conformed to the protocols in the procedure. Most importantly, the patient's comfort and safety were greatly enhanced through the use of standard tracheostomy weaning procedure.