Huvudintresseområde   Ventilatorbehandling                           
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	Irene Mårtensson Intensivvårdssjuksköterska, universitetsadjunkt Intensivvårdsavdelningen Länssjukhuset Halmstad  och Högskolan Halmstad E-post adress: irene.martensson@hh.se

Abstract
Magisteruppsats
Factors influencing the patient during weaning from mechanical ventilation: a national survey

Succesful weaning depends on the application of skilled judgement and decision making to nursing and medical interventions. The intensive care nurse is in a unique position for adopting a holistic approach to weaning. Such an approach needs teamwork and consideration of all the factors that could influence the outcome of the weaning phase. The aim of the study was to conduct a survey, to establish the factors taken into consideration and documented during weaning at the intensive care units (ICUs) in Sweden. A questionnaire was developed and sent to all 92 ICUs. The results identified that nutrition, communication, analgesics and sedatives, psychological and metabolic factors, as well as weaning methods and measurable parameters were taken into consideration. Written instructions for weaning were used by only three ICUs and weaning protocols were not common. A holistic approach to discontinuation of mechanical ventilation is a valuable means of improving the quality of care and merits further research.

Mårtensson, I. E. Fridlund, B. 2002 Factors influencing the patient during weaning from mechanical ventilation: A national survey. Intensive and Critical Care Nursing 18: 219-229