Evaluating the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Weaning Protocols for Mechanical Ventilation: A Comparative Study with Traditional Methods in ICU Settings

Background: Mechanical ventilation weaning is a critical process in the ICU, traditionally managed by physicians. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nurse-led weaning protocols compared to traditional physician-led methods.

Objective: To compare the success rates, timing, and outcomes of nurse-led versus physician-led weaning protocols for mechanical ventilation in adult ICU patients.

Methods: A quantitative study was conducted at a single hospital, analyzing data from patients who underwent mechanical ventilation. We compared the weaning success rates, time to initiation, duration of weaning, and complications between nurse-led and physician-led protocols.

Results: The nurse-led protocol achieved a success rate of 85%, compared to 78% for the physician-led protocol, though the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.289). Time to initiation and total duration of weaning were similar between groups. Complication rates and in-hospital mortality were comparable.

Conclusions: Nurse-led weaning protocols are as effective as physician-led methods, with similar success rates and patient outcomes. These findings support the integration of nurse-led protocols into ICU practices, potentially improving efficiency and collaboration.