Implementation of a spontaneous awakening/spontaneous breathing trial protocol in a surgical intensive care unit: a before and after study.

Background: Prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) influences patient outcome in multiple ways. In this regard the early weaning from IMV is a major goal to be achieved in the treatment of ICU patients. Adopting a weaning protocol that incorporates a Spontaneous Awakening Trial (SAT) and a Spontaneous Breathing Trial (SBT) seems to be essential to reach this goal.