Factors and Outcomes of Unplanned Extubation among Mechanically Ventilated Patients In The ICU

Unplanned extubation is the premature removal of the endotracheal tube by action of the mechanical ventilated patient or accidentally during nursing or medical procedure. The purpose of this study is to determine the risk factors and outcomes of unplanned extubation among mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit.A retrospective study was conducted using a sample of 300 patients who experienced planned extubation and unplanned extubation from January 2015 to December 2017. Data were collected using a case report form by reviewing medical records and incident reports of unplanned extubation. The results from this study found factors associated with increased risk for unplanned extubation included earlier day of intubation (65.8%), weaning process (63.2%), males (60.5%), afternoon shift (55.3%), and when patient appears agitated (55.3%). Poor outcomes were significant in unplanned extubation group with regards to higher re-intubation rate, the need for tracheostomy insertion and more post extubation complications. This study revealed that the risk factors associated with unplanned extubation based on various factors were very significant and the outcomes were also poor. This warrants that unplanned extubation to be acknowledged as a critical issue for the intensive care unit quality control.