A Survey on Method of Aerosol Therapy in Patients on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation in Intensive Care Unit and its Impact on Drug Delivery

Abstract

Abstract: Background; Aerosol therapy is a common intervention done on mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care unit all over the world. The agents used by this route include bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory, antibiotics, mucolytics, prostacyclins etc.

Objective; The position of nebulizer device is very important for effective drug delivery, so we decided to conduct this study.

Method; This is a prospective observation study conducted on adult patients over a period of 6 months who were on invasive mechanical ventilation and nebulization therapy in intensive care unit of a tertiary health care hospital.

Results; 160 patients were on nebulization therapy, 100 patients were male and 60 female.146 patients were having endotracheal tube insitu and 14 patients were having tracheotomy tube insitu. Total nebulization events were 9840. 69.20% of the patients were nebulized in ideal way, rest were in a inefficient way.

Conclusion;  Given the challenges of effective aerosol treatment of the critically ill patient on invasive mechanical ventilation, cost of treatment and better patient outcome, it is necessary to optimize as many factors as possible for effective drug delivery. Hence, guidelines for effective aerosol therapy should be developed and appropriate training and education of the nursing staff is of utmost importance.