Nurses' Detection and Management of Patient Ventilator Asynchrony: A Study at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Nurses’ role in every nursing facility is important because they essential healthcare system’s critical life-saving moments and procedures. One of the critical procedures they perform is the assistance to patients using mechanical ventilation as part of their care process. In such situations, ventilators should be positioned to maintain synchrony. However, there may be instances of ventilation asynchrony. Since Nurses are often the carers of patients under critical care, it behoves them to be able to detect and manage such situations to avert life-threatening situations. Against this background, this study explores Nurses’ detection and management skills to improve ventilator synchrony. This study deployed a qualitative method with a case study design using an interview guide to collect data from Nurses in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Specifically, the study engaged 15 nurses in seven critical care units in the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that nurses at the ICU of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital had various techniques for detecting ventilator asynchrony which include monitoring of ventilator and monitoring patients’ breathing. It was discovered that nurses deployed various strategies in managing asynchrony including changing the settings on the ventilator, handling issues of dislodgment and in more complex situations, they referred to the engineers at the facility. Nurses also indicated that they lacked adequate training and skills in managing asynchrony also, they lacked adequate resources in developing skills in detecting and managing asynchrony. To ensure that nurses acquire adequate skills and knowledge, they needed training and workshops organised for them and also, they needed adequate resources in the unit.