Comparison of Spontaneous Breathing Trials in Clinical Practice and Current Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background: The literature suggests there is variability in the clinical practice of spontaneous breathing trials (SBTs). Evidence-based literature and clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been published over time to address various aspects of SBT implementation. It can take many years for evidence-based recommendations to be adopted into clinical practice. The American Association for Respiratory Care recently published a CPG addressing 4 aspects of SBT implementation. Methods: This study evaluated how the clinical practice of SBTs compares to the recommendations of the CPG. An online survey was developed to assess how hospitals with SBT protocols perform different components of SBTs. Descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. Results: A total of 26 representatives from different health care institutions in the United States met the criteria for data analysis; 61.5% of reported protocols use rapid shallow breathing index, which is not in alignment with the current recommendation; 77% reported the use of pressure support (PS); 11.5% specified the use of a T-piece, and 11% specified the option of either PS or T-piece during the SBT. The responses were 100% in alignment with the current recommendation of performing a SBT with or without support; 73.1% aligned with having a standardized approach to performing SBTs by specifying when the SBT will be initiated; 65.4% perform an SBT during the day, though it was not specified if it occurs before noon each day; 53.8% allow for an increase in F_IO2 during an SBT, which is not in alignment with the current recommendations. Conclusions: The reported hospitals' protocols demonstrated moderate alignment with the 4 CPG recommendations. Identifying current discrepancies between clinical practice and CPGs will allow for the assessment of the adoption of recommendations into clinical practice over time. Further assessment could be performed to determine if there is an impact on patient outcomes.