What is known?
There are a large number of studies comparing protocol based weaning
versus non protocolised weaning in various ICU settings. Although in
general the results of these studies tend to favour protocol based
weaning; a large heterogeneity in the results of these studies with
respect to the various parameters studied is observed. There are very
few studies which have assessed compliance to protocol based weaning
strategies in a critical care setting once the protocol has been
introduced as routine practice.