How I Teach Mechanical Ventilator Waveform Analysis: A Focus on Normal Ventilator Waveforms

Identification and management of patient-ventilator asynchronies is a fundamental skill for the management of mechanical ventilation and often requires interpretation of mechanical ventilation waveform scalars. However, teaching mechanical ventilation waveform analysis can be challenging for educators due to the complexity of the material. In this entry of How I Teach, we provide an approach to teaching the concept of "normal" mechanical ventilator waveforms as an introduction to the broader topic of patient-ventilator asynchronies. We stress that intimate knowledge of normal mechanical ventilator appearance and physiology is vital prior to tackling the concepts of abnormal mechanical ventilator waveforms. We offer a framework to present this material in a classroom or small group setting, summarize key concepts, and provide concrete examples of the educational techniques we utilize.