Journal of thoracic disease
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Prior researches have showed that weaning protocols may decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation. The effect of these protocols on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an extensive mechanical ventilation protocol including weaning applied by a respiratory therapist (RT) on the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) stay in COPD patients. ⋯ In our center, a protocolized mechanical ventilation and weaning strategy improved weaning success and shortened the total duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay in COPD patients requiring mechanical ventilation.