Screening Frequency Trial to Identify Weaning Candidates

"In the 'once daily screening arm', RTs will screen invasively ventilated patients between approximately 06:00 - 08:00 hours daily.~The initial SBT will be 30-120 minutes in duration and may be conducted with any one of the following techniques: T-piece, CPAP \< to 5 cm H2 O or PS \< 8 cm H2 O with PEEP \< 5 - 10 cm H2O. Higher levels of PEEP (8-10 cm H2O) will be permitted (and recorded) to allow for clinician discretion in conducting SBTs in specific patients (e.g., obese, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and use of different humidification strategies. Each centre will choose one technique to be used for all patients enrolled at their centre."

In the 'at least twice daily' screening arm patients will be screened at a minimum between approximately 6:00-8:00 hours and 13:00-15:00 hours daily. Initial SBT will be conducted in the same manner as once daily screening arm. Subsequent SBTs will be 30-120 minutes in duration and may be conducted with any one of the following techniques: T-piece, CPAP \< to 5 cm H2 O or PS \< 8 cm H2 O with PEEP \< 5 - 10 cm H2O. Higher levels of PEEP (8-10 cm H2O). Higher levels of PEEP (8-10 cm H2O) will be permitted (and recorded) to allow for clinician discretion in conducting SBTs in specific patients (e.g., obese, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and use of different humidification strategies. Each centre will be asked to choose one technique to be used for all patients enrolled at their centre.