Results: There were no significant differences in the 2 groups at baseline. The number of patients who
successfully discontinued mechanical ventilation was similar in the 2 groups (PBW, 46 patients, 75.4%;
UC, 47 patients, 77.0%; P = .832). The weaning time was 47 hours (interquartile range, 24-168 hours)
in the UC group and 25 hours (interquartile range, 5.75-134 hours) in the PBW group (P = .010).
Conclusions: The weaning protocol administered by the nurses was safe and reduced the weaning time
from mechanical ventilation in patients who were recovering from respiratory failure.
© 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.