Minimizing pulmonary complication among mechanically ventilated patients: Implementing nursing protocol

Abstract

Background: Application of mechanical ventilation is crucial for the resuscitation and all-encompassing care of patients in severe condition. While mechanical ventilation is a crucial life-saving management for numerous number of patients in critical care units, it can cause many pulmonary complications. Implementing nursing protocol can improve patient outcomes. This protocol emphasizes standardized care, early intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance recovery and reduce complications. Aim of the study: Investigate the impact of implementation of nursing protocol on minimizing pulmonary complication among mechanically ventilated patients. Study design: Quasi - experimental research design (Study & control) used to accomplish the goal of the present research. Subjects: A purposeful sample of 80 adult mechanically ventilated patients (MV) was assigned in the current study, which started with the initiation of the MV connection. Setting: This research was conducted in critical care units, including the Chest Intensive Care Unit and the Intensive Care Unit, at the Cardio-thoracic Surgery Hospital and the Main Minia University Hospital in Minia City, Egypt. Tools of data collection: One tool was utilized; it contains four parts. Part (I): Patient's Demographic Characteristic, Part (II): Medical Data. Part (III): Hemodynamic Parameters Assessment. Part (IV): Nursing Intervention Protocol. Results: The current study results revealed that 7.5% & 6% of the study group post-nursing protocol compared with 19% & 15% of the control group receiving routine hospital care had ventilator-associated pneumonia and barotrauma complications, respectively, with a highly statistical significant difference between both groups documented with p-value (0.014, and 0.004), respectively. Implementation of nursing protocol have a direct effect on mechanically ventilated patient’s outcomes and minimizing pulmonary complication among study group. Conclusion: Based on the research's findings, it can be confirmed that, implementation of nursing protocol for mechanically ventilated patients among study group was effective and showed significant improvements in the overall patients’ outcome compared with the control group. Recommendations: Creating a training program for ICU nurses' in-service training to improve their practice and understanding of advanced nursing interventions that enhance the outcomes of patients on mechanical ventilation.