Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Prematurity is a significant global health challenge. Premature infants frequently need invasive mechanical ventilation until their lungs are fully developed. Due to the possible complications of ventilation, nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) must deliver specialized care to achieve the best outcomes for these infants. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of nurses' training in mechanical ventilation weaning on neonatal outcomes. METHOD: A quasi-experimental non-equivalent group design was used with purposive sampling of 70 nurses and 64 newborn infants on invasive mechanical ventilation. The infants were divided into two groups: 32 weaned by trained nurses (study group) and 32 weaned by standard methods (control group). Data was collected using a structured questionnaire about the nurses and neonates. A well-designed training program, including theoretical and practical components, was conducted for the nurses to ensure proper weaning of neonates from mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: The study group demonstrated a significant reduction in the use of surfactant replacement therapy post-extubation compared to the control group (p = 0.003). Additionally, infants in the study group experienced a statistically significant decrease in NICU hospitalization duration, total weaning time, and total ventilation period compared to the control group (p = 0.003, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively). Complications were markedly lower in the study group, with two-thirds of infants experiencing no complications, compared to 15.6% in the control group (p = 0.001). Moreover, re-intubation rates were significantly reduced in the study group compared to the control group (p = 0.1026). CONCLUSION: These results highlight the effectiveness of the intervention in improving clinical outcomes for neonates, including reduced treatment needs, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.