Lecture Summary

In this talk, I will discuss current thinking in terms of the epidemiology of weaning and current definitions i.e. who are we weaning. I will discuss weaning methods including spontaneous breathing trials, weaning protocols and automated weaning modes including the evidence supporting these weaning tools. I will highlight recent evidence on the role of non-invasive ventilation for weaning. Finally, I will discuss weaning in patients experiencing prolonged mechanical ventilation.

Target Audience

Critical Care Nurses
Trainee Critical Care Doctors

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

• Understand the terminology/definitions of weaning & prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV)
• Describe the weaning process
• Understand the evidence for spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs), protocols and automated systems
• Identify the role of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in weaning
• Describe the complexities of PMV and considerations other than the ventilator

Accreditation

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of EB Medicine and Continulus. EB Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

EB Medicine designates this internet-enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Needs Assessment

The need for this educational activity was determined by surveys of the target audience and experts in the specialty. Further assessment was provided by examining the topics of recently published evidence-based medicine reviews, national clinical guidelines, and specialty society recommendations, as well as suggestions from evaluations of previous learning programs to determine practice gaps.

CME Faculty Disclosure

It is the policy of EB Medicine to ensure objectivity, balance, independence, transparency, and scientific rigor in all CME-sponsored educational activities. All faculty participating in the planning or implementation of a sponsored activity are expected to disclose to the audience any relevant financial relationships and to assist in resolving any conflict of interest that may arise from the relationship. In compliance with all ACCME accreditation requirements and policies, all faculty for this CME activity were asked to complete a full disclosure statement. The speaker did not report any relevant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product(s) discussed in this educational presentation.

Earning Credit

In order to earn CME credit, the participant must take the pre-test, watch the course, take the CME post-test, and complete the post-test evaluation.

Hardware/Software Requirements

Online learners will need a computer or web-enabled device to access the podcast, additional learning materials, and CME test.

Commercial Support

This activity received no commercial support.

Virtual family visiting – Life Lines as an example of rapid innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Critical Care Nursing / Family Engagement

Virtual family visiting – Life Lines as an example of rapid innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic

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