Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
[WeanNet: a network of weaning units headed by pneumologists]
B Schönhofer1, J Geiseler1, M Pfeifer2
1Für die Gruppe 5.1 (WeanNet) innerhalb der Sektion 5 "Intensiv- und Beatmungsmedizin" der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e. V. (DGP).
Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and weaning are increasing in Germany, leading to higher morbidity, mortality, and costs. The WeanNet network aims to improve treatment quality and reduce expenses through certified weaning units.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology and Intensive Care Medicine
- Health Services Research
Context:
- Increasing rates of prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and weaning in Germany over the past decade.
- Prolonged MV is linked to elevated morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
Purpose:
- To introduce the WeanNet network, a German initiative connecting specialized weaning units.
- To outline the network's goal of improving treatment quality, patient outcomes, and cost-efficiency through certified structures and processes.
Summary:
- WeanNet, founded by the German Respiratory Society (DGP), certifies weaning units managed by pulmonologists with intensive care expertise.
- Certification criteria and procedures have been refined for greater transparency and efficiency.
- The network facilitates communication regarding prolonged weaning among public health bodies, insurers, and scientific societies.
Impact:
- Aims to enhance the quality of care and reduce costs associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and weaning.
- Standardizes and improves the transparency of weaning unit certification.
- Strengthens communication and collaboration in managing complex respiratory care.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment

