(1031) A Quality Improvement Program: Reducing Unplanned Extubations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Setting

Unplanned extubation (UE) of intubated neonates is one of the most common adverse events in the neonatal intensive care unit. Understanding opportunities for defining UE, determining factors leading to UE, how to monitor, report and prevent UE will help to improve care for intubated neonates. Data from the literature review shows that a bundled standardized approach can decrease the number of UEs that occur. The literature indicates that creating a consistent definition of UE, educating staff regarding UE causes and prevention can help decrease UE events. Decreasing UE events creates a safer care environment for our neonates.