Provision of humidification to at risk patients

Abstract

Evidence today shows that providing a patient with optimal humidification of gases, not only maintains secretion clearance, it promotes gas exchange, decreases the risk of infection and prevents against desiccation of their airway. In 2008 it was discovered that the humidification system used at Monash Medical Centre demonstrated suboptimal performance and they had also been superseded by other systems. The suboptimal provision of humidification had also been identified as one of many contributing factors to Medical Emergency Team (MET) calls, and tracheostomy complications especially in patients who require long term oxygen therapy and/or have respiratory conditions. A business case was developed and presented to the hospital. Funding was granted to replace the existing bubble humidifier throughout Monash Medical Centre (excluding Intensive Care, Paediatrics and Emergency Department) with new Fisher and Paykel (MR810) humidifiers. A detailed roll out plan was made to ensure the introduction of these new humidifiers was effective and efficient. Included in this plan was on-going education and training provided by the ICU Outreach service, Fisher and Paykel and ward educators. 12 months post introduction of the humidifiers a staff survey revealed benefits such as increased staff awareness of the importance of humidification resulting in earlier implementation of the device, improved secretion management and enhanced patient comfort/compliance due to multiple delivery applications. Caregivers aim to provide, and patients want to receive, the best treatment possible in order to ensure the most favourable patient outcome. Provision of new humidification devices has ensured best practice and quality care.