Decannulation in the ICU vs. the Ward: Does It Matter?
Author Information
Author(s): Milercy O, López J, Figueira J, Manzanares J, Hernández M
Primary Institution: La Paz Hospital, Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
Does the location of decannulation (ICU vs. ward) affect in-hospital mortality for patients who underwent tracheostomy?
Conclusion
Mortality was not related to whether decannulation was done in the ICU or on the ward.
Supporting Evidence
- A total of 1,528 patients needed mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours.
- Ninety-two patients (20.77%) died in the ICU.
- Ward mortality for patients decannulated in the ICU was 5.6%.
- Ward mortality for patients decannulated in the wards was 10%.
- Mortality for patients not decannulated reached 37%.
Takeaway
This study looked at patients who had a tracheostomy and found that it didn't matter if they were decannulated in the ICU or the ward; both had similar death rates.
Methodology
A prospective observational study of patients who underwent tracheostomy in the ICU from January 2001 to December 2007.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting mortality, such as the patients' overall health status.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 56 years, 66% were male.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
0.8 to 4.2
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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