2019 Research Forum

Increasing Incentive Spirometer Usage in the ICU/DOU

ICU/DOU

Lindsee Handel RN, Jessica J. William RN, Gloria Baez RN, James Gisborn RN, Andy DeValle RN

Use of the IS in the ICU/DOU to prevent complications from bedrest or immobility was reviewed for best practices. An observations audit of the bedside and nursing staff, the IS was intermittently available, or the nursing staff did not have consistent practice in offering the IS to the patient. A review of the literature found no recent research in the effectiveness of the IS alone in the prevention of pulmonary complications. An audit was implemented to determine the knowledge level of the nursing staff. Audit findings included the nurses did not use the packaged inserted to set goals for effective use of the IS. Education to the nursing staff on the use of the table insert. Recommendations included that early mobility should be used if the patient’s condition allowed for deep breathing. Also recommended identification of those patients who should be using the IS included those patients immediate post extubation, trauma patients with back or pelvic injuries where progressive mobility was not possible yet. Recommendations also included that the use of the IS be added to the hourly rounding form. Communication to the next shift through handoff communication. Good use of observational data, implement tools to reeducate nursing staff, and review of the literature.

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