Available online 12 August 2022, 103309

To identify care practices in Swedish intensive care units specific to patients requiring mechanical ventilation for >7 days.

We conducted a national cross-sectional survey inviting all adult Swedish ICUs (n = 79). Nurse managers were invited by email to complete a questionnaire by telephone. The questionnaire included seven domains: ventilator weaning, mobilisation, communication, nutrition, symptom assessment, psychosocial support and organisational characteristics.

We received responses from 77 units (response rate, 97%). Weaning protocols were available in 42 (55%) units, 52 (68%) used individualised weaning strategies and 50 (65%) involved physicians and nurses in collaborative decision making. In 48 units (62%), early mobilisation was prioritised using bed cycling but only 26 (34%) units had mobilisation protocols. Most of the intensive care units (74, 96%) had nutrition protocols but only 2 (3%) had dedicated dieticians. Delirium screening tools were available in 49 (64%) ICUs, 3 (4%) assessed anxiety and none assessed dyspnoea. Nineteen (25%) units employed a primary nursing model and 11 (14%) indicated person-centred care policies. Regular case conferences, including family participation, were held by 39 (51%) units.

We found that an individualised approach to ventilator weaning, decided by physicians and nurses in collaboration, was the predominant approach, although weaning protocols were available in some intensive care units. Most units prioritised early mobilisation, though few used protocols. Nutritional protocols were widely adopted, as few units had a dedicated dietician.

Clinical protocols

Critical care

Intensive Care Unit

Mechanical ventilation

Prolonged mechanical ventilation

Ventilator weaning

© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.