A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Unplanned Extubations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Unplanned extubations (UEs) continue to be one of the most common adverse events in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Management of endotracheal tubes (ETTs) can be particularly challenging in neonates due to the unique needs and physical characteristics of this patient population.

The purpose of this quality improvement project was to decrease the rate of UEs from 0.76 to less than 0.5 per 100 ventilator days in an urban level III NICU in the Midwest, United States.

A newly formed interprofessional team created an evidence-based, standardized, bedside nurse-led care bundle for intubations and ETT care in the NICU. This project also created standardized, clear, closed-loop communication for the transition of bedside staff at shift change.

The UE rate decreased from 0.76 to 0 per 100 ventilator days, reaching the goal of less than 0.5 per 100 ventilator days, during the 10-week project implementation period from December 2021 to February 2022.

Many NICUs focus on reducing UEs due to the impact on healthcare resource utilization, acute complications, and long-term outcomes for infants. The development of a standardized, nurse-led care bundle for ETTs decreased the rate of UEs. Future research is needed to study the potential for generalization to different units and beyond the scope of the neonatal population.