Terminal weaning from mechanical ventilation: a review.

Abstract

Terminal weaning is a clinical intervention for withdrawing mechanical ventilatory support when such support is an unacceptable outcome for a patient. Withdrawal of life support must be done in a humane manner for the patient, the family, and the patient's care providers. Research-based directions for clinical practice are limited because of the paucity of research in this area. Recommendations for future study are related to methods, facilitative therapy, patient, family, and caregiver responses, and care delivery models.