What is a trial period of intubation and ventilation?
A time-limited trial of intubation and mechanical ventilation provides the patient a choice of a trial of therapy where the underlying acute impending pulmonary failure is potentially reversible and the patient does not wish long term mechanical ventilation. The potential need for tracheostomy, preferences for alternate treatments such as BIPAP and CPAP and the provision of symptomatic treatment for dyspnea (oxygen, morphine) should be reviewed. The patient’s goals for care, response and wishes should be documented in the patient’s chart and clarified on the MOLST form in “Other Instructions”.
