Training activity information
Details
Apply inhalation agents via conventional mechanical ventilators to include:
- Set up
- Preparation
- Connection to the patient
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Prescription for the intervention
- Equipment is fit for purpose
- Infection control
- Contraindications
- Risk management
- Continuous monitoring
- Patient centred care and support
- Communication with patients, relatives and the clinical team
- Top up education for bedside healthcare professionals
- Safe storage of drugs
- First line maintenance
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- Specifically, what are the intended outcomes regarding the set up, preparation, and connection of inhalation agents to a conventional mechanical ventilator and patient?
- What is your understanding of the pharmacology of commonly used inhaled anaesthetic agents in the context of ventilated patients?
- Are you familiar with the specific devices and methods used to deliver inhaled agents via a mechanical ventilator in your clinical area, including safety features and monitoring requirements?
- What are the potential interactions and safety considerations when using inhaled agents with mechanical ventilation?
- What practical skills do you hope to develop regarding the safe and effective administration of inhaled agents via a ventilator?
- How does the use of inhaled agents relate to patient sedation and overall ventilation strategies?
- Discuss this training activity with your training officer, clarifying the specific agents, equipment, and safety protocols involved. Consider potential challenges related to the delivery system, environmental safety (e.g., scavenging of anaesthetic gases), and patient monitoring when using inhaled agents. How will you prepare to address these?
- Review any relevant local guidelines or standard operating procedures related to the use of inhaled anaesthetics in mechanically ventilated patients.
In action
- What steps are you taking to set up the delivery of inhalation agents through a conventional mechanical ventilator? What safety precautions are you implementing during the preparation and connection? How are you ensuring compatibility between the inhalation agent delivery system and the ventilator?
- Are there any challenges in integrating the inhalation agent delivery with the standard ventilator circuit? How are you monitoring for potential leaks or issues with the delivery system? What parameters are you paying close attention to as the agent is being applied?
- If there are technical difficulties with the delivery system, what troubleshooting steps are you taking? Are you considering alternative methods of sedation or analgesia if issues arise?
On action
- Describe the process of setting up the delivery of inhalation agents via a conventional mechanical ventilator, noting any specific equipment or connections used. What safety measures did you observe or implement? Were there any challenges in integrating the inhalation agent delivery system with the ventilator?
- What did you learn about the safe and effective delivery of inhalation agents through a mechanical ventilator? Did you gain a better understanding of potential risks and complications? How did you ensure compatibility and proper functioning of all components? What did you learn about monitoring the patient during the delivery of inhalation agents?
- What specific safety protocols will you pay particular attention to in the future? Do you need to review any specific guidelines or best practices for this procedure? How will this experience enhance your ability to deliver inhalation agents safely and effectively?
Beyond action
- Considering your current understanding of pharmacology and ventilation, do you have any new insights into the application of inhalation agents via mechanical ventilators? Have you observed or discussed the use of inhalation agents in different clinical scenarios or with different patient populations? Looking back at your initial reflections, did you adequately consider all the relevant safety implications?
- Has this experience increased your awareness of the safety protocols associated with delivering anaesthetic agents via ventilators? Have you been able to contribute to discussions regarding sedation and analgesia strategies in ventilated patients based on this experience? How has this DTA improved your understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to managing ventilated patients?
- What transferable skills (e.g., attention to detail with medication delivery, understanding drug-device interactions, risk assessment) did you develop? What further learning or training would be beneficial to deepen your knowledge in this specialised area?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 5 |
Outcome
Set up, apply and manage a range of adjunct ventilation therapies. |
| # 6 |
Outcome
Assess clinical and technical issues with ventilators and troubleshoot accurately. |