Effect of Acupressure Protocol of Care on Mechanically Ventilated Patients’ Outcomes at Cairo -Egypt

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have emphasized the use of non-invasive complementary approaches to facilitate critically ill patients, weaning from mechanical ventilation by improving respiratory parameters. Critical care nurses play pivotal role in the implementation of acupressure protocols as part of holistic patient care in the ICU. Aim of the study: to evaluate the effect of acupressure protocol of care on mechanically ventilated patients’ outcomes. Research design: a quasi- experimental research design was utilized. Research hypothesis: four research hypotheses were stated in the current study. Setting: This study was carried out at the surgical intensive care unit of the emergency hospital at one of university hospitals in Cairo. Sample: A purposive sample consisting of 70 adult critically ill patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and divided into two equal and matched groups. Tools of data collection: three tools were utilized to collect data penitent to the current study: critically ill mechanically ventilated patients’ demographic and medical characteristics, critically ill mechanically ventilated patient's assessment sheet, and critically ill mechanically ventilated patients' outcomes. Results: the acupressure group showed significant improvements in tidal volume and minute ventilation (p ≤ 0.05) immediately post-intervention, with benefits persisting at all-time points. Rapid shallow breathing index improved immediate post acupressure and at 0.5 h post-intervention (p ≤ 0.05), while respiratory rate and oxygen saturation also showed favorable changes. Most hemodynamic parameters and complication rates remained comparable between groups (χ²= 11.2, p > 0.05) indicating no significant differences between two groups. Conclusion: acupressure had positive effects on weaning indices, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation in the mechanically ventilated patients; indicating support of the stated research hypotheses. Recommendations: Replication of this study on a larger probability sample in different geographic areas; and integrate acupressure protocol into nursing care for mechanically ventilated patients.