Preview
Creation Date
10-2017
Description
This project seeks to determine if there is an evidence-based need to use portable suction with patients who have chest tubes during ambulation or transports. On South Wing 5, portable suction is currently being used, yet is it necessary with patients without massive air leaks or symptomatic of respiratory distress? A review of the literature on patients without massive air leaks does not conclude that there is any evidence of advantages to using portable suction during ambulation or transports, and that it used merely as physicians’ preference. For the purpose of this project, over the course of one year we will follow the research and data from other institutions that currently do not use portable suction during ambulation or transports in their daily clinical practice. The impact of not using portable suction allows for convenient early ambulation without the burden of unnecessary equipment.