Implementing a Weaning Protocol for Noninvasive Respiratory Support in Neonates Decreases Overuse and Length of Stay.

Background: As part of efforts to decrease length of hospital stay, a protocol for weaning noninvasive respiratory support was implemented using quality improvement methodology. The objective of this study was to determine whether protocol implementation decreased the time to wean to no respiratory support by 24 h (30% reduction) over 3 months in preterm infants 30-34 weeks gestational age.

Methods: A quality improvement project was conducted with the following outcome measures: primary outcome measured was hours to wean; secondary outcomes included duration of respiratory support, length of stay, and postmenstrual age at feeding milestones; and balance measures were duration of oxygen exposure and growth velocity.

Results: Data from 89 subjects were included. Following implementation, decreases were seen in time to wean (40% reduction, < .001), length of stay (25% reduction, = .02), and growth velocity (21% reduction, = .02).

Conclusions: Implementing a weaning protocol decreases duration of support and length of stay in infants 30-34 weeks gestational age. Weaning respiratory support more quickly may decrease growth velocity.