Automated versus non-automated weaning for reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation for critically ill adults and children

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: The primary objective for this review is to compare the total duration of weaning from mechanical ventilation, defined as the time from study randomization to successful extubation (as defined by study authors), for critically ill ventilated patients managed with an automated weaning system versus no automated weaning system (usual care). A secondary objective for this review is to determine differences in ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital outcomes when the use of automated weaning systems is compared to weaning in the absence of an automated weaning system.