Evaluation of standardized weaning schedules on physical functioning in patients with weaning failure; the WEANFIT study

Background Weaning failure is associated with high morbidity, delayed rehabilitation, and high healthcare costs. While daily screening and structured weaning protocols reduce ventilation duration and intensive care unit (ICU) stay, their effect on physical functioning remains unclear. Aim The WEANFIT study evaluated whether standardized weaning schedules, embedded in a protocol, improve physical functioning in patients with weaning failure compared to non-standardized wean schedules. Methods This retrospective study compared two cohorts: before and after implementation of standardized weaning schedules. Eligible patients were ≥18 years, ventilated >7 days, without neurological diagnoses. Data were extracted from the electronic patient dossier. The primary outcome was physical functioning at ICU discharge, assessed with the ICU Mobility Scale (IMS). Secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, re-intubation, re-admission, and discharge destination. Results The data of 46 non-standardized weaned patients and 81 standardized weaned patients were analyzed. The IMS was not significant with a median of 4. However, the interquartile range increased from 2.8–5.0 in the non-standardized patients to 3.0–6.5 in the standardized patients. Re-intubation rates significantly decreased (63% vs. 33.3%, p = .001), while ICU re-admissions and discharge destination showed favorable but non-significant trends. Conclusion Implementation of standardized weaning schedules may be associated with improved physical functioning and fewer re-intubations. These results suggest that integrating standardized protocols into daily ICU practice may optimize recovery and enhance patient outcome.