Aim: To determine whether a literature-based guideline, powered by educational meetings and individual feedback, improves manual hyperinflation (MH) performance by intensive care unit (ICU) nurses.
Background: MH is frequently applied in intubated and mechanically ventilated ICU patients. MH is a complex intervention, and large variation in its performance has been found.
Materials and methods: First, a literature-based guideline on MH was developed. The intervention consisted of education of this guideline and individual feedback. Before and 3 months after the intervention, ICU nurses performed MH maneuvers in a skills laboratory. Data collected included applied volumes, peak inspiratory flows (PIF) and peak expiratory flows (PEF), and the use of inspiratory holds.
Results: Eighty nurses participated. Decrease of PIF was not statistically significant. PEF increased from 52 ± 7 to 83 ± 23 L/min (P < 0·01). PIF to PEF ratio decreased from 1·4 [1·1-1·7] to 0·8 [0·6-1·1] (P < 0·01). Peak inspiratory pressures decreased from 40 ± 14 to 19 ± 6 cm H2 O (P < 0·01). The proportion of nurses applying inspiratory holds increased from 14% to 58%; use of rapid release of the resuscitation bag, considered mandatory, increased from 4% to 61%.
Conclusion: Implementation of a literature-based guideline on MH, powered by educational meetings and individual feedback, improves MH performance by ICU nurses.
Relevance to clinical practice: If it is decided to practice MH in the care of the intubated and mechanical ventilated patient, a standardized, uniform performed MH procedure is a prerequisite.
Keywords: Critical care nursing; Education and training of ICU nurses; Respiratory care.
© 2014 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.