Situational Awareness of Expert Nurses on the Process of Weaning a Ventilator

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the situational awareness of expert nurses on the process of weaning a ventilator. Participation consent was obtained from expert nurses and novice nurses who had experience weaning a ventilator. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elucidate what information they pay attention to, and to elucidate how to collect and to assess information on the process of weaning a ventilator. Data were analyzed qualitatively comparing the skills of the 4 experts nurses with the skills of the 4 novices nurses. Expert nurses focused on both body and mental state, while novice nurses mainly focused on the body. Expert nurses judged a patient based on a few days trend. They were careful about not only oxygenation in the lungs but also oxygenation in tissues. They were also concerned that patients knew the current situation properly.