Standardizing the Weaning Process

The goal among critical care staff of discontinuing mechanical support in a prudent and expeditious manner emerges immediately after intubation. This goal, known as the weaning process, contains the three phases of optimizing the patient’s condition, assessing and evaluating the patient’s progress, and diagnostic testing. As a diagnostic test, the wean trial needs to be standardized for efficiency and safety. To maximize safe and efficient delivery of the trial, the primary nurse and respiratory therapist should be the responsible professional monitors. The standardized trial enhances staff confidence for safe extubation. A successful standardized weaning protocol eases the transition from mechanical ventilation to spontaneous breathing for the patient and improves the professional performance and confidence of critical care staff