Implementation of a Perioperative Lung Protective Ventilation Protocol for Robotic-Assisted Surgeries

This project sought to educate providers on the benefits of lung protective ventilation (LPV), implement a LPV protocol in robotic surgery, and evaluate adherence to the protocol in the adult (≥ 18 years) robotic-assisted surgery population. This project used a pre/post quality improvement design with a retrospective chart review and periodic knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys over the course of 6 months. This project retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records to assess adherence to the LPV protocol. The type of surgery; ventilator settings including positive end-expiratory pressure, FiO2, tidal volume, SpO2, ventilator mode, compliance, driving pressure and peak pressure; patient height and weight; patient body mass index; and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification were collected. Analyzed results compared baseline preeducation data and data collected at 3- and 6-months postimplementation. Adherence to the LPV protocol parameters of tidal volume (P < .001), respiratory rate (P = .014), and driving pressure (P < .001) within LPV limits improved with statistical significance from pre- to postimplementation. Provider confidence and knowledge increased from pre- to posteducation (P = .049). Adherence to a LPV protocol improved with education and information tools.