Our ventilator care program successfully weans about half its patients off ventilators. Here, a physician evaluates a patient's progress.
University Specialty Hospital cares for patients who require ventilator care due to an injury, chronic disease or other respiratory and neurological problems. By providing specialized nursing and medical intervention, we are able to assist patients in reaching their highest level of independent function. We strive to wean patients from mechanical ventilators and enable them to re-establish breathing on their own.
University Specialty Hospital has managed one of the largest ventilator units in the state of Maryland since 1987. The 72-bed unit is JCAHO-accredited, staffed by nurses, respiratory therapists and support staff specifically trained in ventilator care 24-hours a day. Our program successfully weans approximately 50 percent of its patients off of ventilators.
The approach to treatment is personalized and goal-oriented. Upon admission, members of the patient care team evaluate the patient for potential to wean from a ventilator. The treatment team then develops a structured plan to help the patient work towards this goal.
At University Specialty Hospital, patients are provided with a variety of services to ensure optimal management and treatment.
Our patient care team conducts regular conferences to discuss and re-evaluate patient progress and goals and includes:
Our patient care team helps patients and their families prepare for living at home following discharge.
Family involvement and support is crucial to the patient's success in weaning from a ventilator and/or adapting to a productive lifestyle with some physical limitations. At University Specialty Hospital, family members are included in the treatment process and especially in the discharge-planning phase. The patient care team provides patient education and guidance in making the home environment safe and accessible for the patient after discharge.