The Role of Respiratory Therapists in Enhancing Capnography Accuracy for Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care ICU

Authors: Salah B. Alanazi, Abdulkhaliq M. Alanazi, Mansour A. Alqahtani, Nawaf M. Al-Anazi, Nailah A. Alanazi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14013255

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8pqt2

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Capnography is a critical monitoring tool in the management of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU. Ensuring its accuracy is essential for proper ventilatory support and improved patient outcomes. Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a key role in maintaining capnography accuracy and managing ventilator settings.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of RT-led interventions on the accuracy of capnography monitoring and patient outcomes in critically ill patients in a tertiary hospital ICU.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 150 mechanically ventilated ICU patients was conducted. Data on ETCO₂, PaCO₂, ventilator adjustments, and clinical outcomes were collected before and after RT interventions. The accuracy of ETCO₂ monitoring was measured by comparing ETCO₂ and PaCO₂ values, and secondary outcomes included ventilator duration, ICU length of stay, mortality, and ventilator-associated events (VAEs).

Results: RT interventions reduced the mean ETCO₂-PaCO₂ difference from 7.1 mmHg to 4.3 mmHg. The duration of mechanical ventilation decreased from 10.8 to 9.6 days, and ICU length of stay reduced from 14.5 to 12.8 days. Mortality dropped from 25% to 20%, and VAE incidence declined from 18% to 10%.

Conclusion: RT-led interventions significantly improve the accuracy of capnography and positively impact clinical outcomes, reducing ventilation duration, ICU stay, and mortality. These findings highlight the critical role of RTs in optimizing respiratory care in critically ill patients.

Keywords: Capnography, Respiratory Therapists, Mechanically Ventilated Patients, ICU, Ventilator-Associated Events, ETCO₂ Monitoring, Critical Care

Paper Id: 231455

Published On: 2024-07-02

Published In: Volume 12, Issue 4, July-August 2024

Cite This: The Role of Respiratory Therapists in Enhancing Capnography Accuracy for Critically Ill Patients: A Retrospective Analysis in a Tertiary Care ICU - Salah B. Alanazi, Abdulkhaliq M. Alanazi, Mansour A. Alqahtani, Nawaf M. Al-Anazi, Nailah A. Alanazi - IJIRMPS Volume 12, Issue 4, July-August 2024. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.14013255

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