Résumé :
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This study was intended to demonstrate that the use of a ventilator attachment (VentLok®) in combination with staff, patient and family education can minimize ventilator disconnections in long term ventilated patients. Long term ventilated patients included in this trial are dependent upon mechanical ventilation for life support. They are unable to reconnect themselves in the case of an accidental ventilator disconnection. The risk of death in these situations is high. Although the equipment itself is reliable, the connection between the patient's tracheostomy and ventilator has the potential for accidental disconnection. Prior to our intervention we had an average of 38 accidental disconnections a month. An analysis of this rate concluded that such frequent occurrences posed a significant patient safety concern. Accidental disconnections in 28 adult patients with diagnoses of ALS, muscular dystrophy and C1-2 spinal cord injury were monitored for one year. Initially patient and staff education was provided with minimal improvement. Various swivel connectors were then trialed with some success. However it was not until a universal coupling attachment (VentLok®) was implemented that significant improvement was noted. The staff and family required training and support to accept the new product and use it appropriately, properly securing the universal coupling attachment (VentLok®) and the tracheostomy tube. The number of disconnections was successfully decreased by 90% in 3 months with the use of a ventilator attachment (VentLok®) and education. VentLok® and education were successfully used to diminish the number of unwanted ventilator disconnections in chronic ventilated patients. No adverse events occurred related to VentLok® use.
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