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Evaluating the Use of a Stability Guideline for Long-Term Ventilator-Dependent Children Discharging to Home:
Introduction:
Defining stability before discharge for children with severe chronic lung disease requiring home ventilation has historically been dependent on an individual provider's opinion.
Methods:
An institutional guideline based on expert opinion was used for patients who were first discharged home on mechanical ventilation. A retrospective review determined if the guideline was used. Electronic medical record changes were initiated to improve compliance with the guideline.
Results:
The retrospective review showed that the guideline is documented in less than one third of patients, and 36% of patients met the requirements of the guideline before discharge. Following these results, electronic medical record documentation was changed.
Discussion:
Results showed a low utilization rate for the discharge home guideline for patients receiving long-term ventilation. Utilization of electronic medical record charting can improve the tracking of stability guidelines and provide the opportunity to further define stability in ventilator-dependent children.
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