Inpatient and long-term outcomes of individuals admitted for weaning from mechanical ventilation at a specialized ventilation weaning unit

Abstract

Background: Weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in specialized weaning units has been demonstrated to be safe and cost-effective. Success rates and outcomes vary widely, probably relating to patient factors and unit expertise. Methods: An audit was undertaken of patients admitted for weaning from IMV at the Austin Hospital Ventilation Weaning Unit (VWU) between March 2002 and January 2008. Weaning success, complications and both in-hospital and long-term mortality were examined and regression analysis was undertaken to examine factors related to these outcomes. Results: Seventy-eight patients were admitted to the VWU after a median of 27 days of IMV at their referring centre. ..