May 13, 2011
View Full PaperClinical and economic burden of postoperative pulmonary complications: Patient safety summit on definition, risk-reducing interventions, and preventive strategies*
Structured PICO
P
Population
Patients at risk for postoperative pulmonary complications
O
Outcome
Postoperative pulmonary complications
Postoperative mechanical ventilation >48 hours is a key marker for high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Abstract
The most practicable marker that identifies patients at highest risk for postoperative pulmonary complications is the need for postoperative mechanical ventilation of a cumulative duration >48 hrs.