Successful ventilation cessation: Experts exchange ideas in Mainkofen!

Successful ventilation cessation: Experts exchange ideas in Mainkofen!

In an impressive symposium at the Mainkofen district clinic, around 60 experts gathered to illuminate the central theme of ventilation cessation. Doctors, nursing staff, therapists and psychologists came together to discuss the latest developments and practices in ventilation. The occasion was the 1st interdisciplinary Weaning symposium, which aimed to understand and improve the diverse perspectives and challenges in the Weaning process.

growing need for teamwork

The "Weaning", i.e. the gradual weaning from the ventilation machine, is on the rise in Germany. Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt-Wilcke, chief physician of the neurological center, emphasized the positive development in his introduction: "In the past, Weaning was not the focus of the neurological early rehabilitation, which has now been changed." The medical director, Prof. Dr. Maximilian Malfertheiner, emphasized in his lecture that the success of the Weaning is always a team effort in which doctors, nursing and therapists have to work hand in hand.

Private lecturer Dr. Joachim Scheßl, senior physician at the neurological center, explained the importance of certification of Weaning centers and their role in the quality of the treatment processes. This is particularly important because the Mainkofen district clinic was recognized as the first center in South-East Bavaria in 2021. There were also surprising insights from Sönke Stanschus, who explained the importance of cooperation between speech therapists and breathing therapists. Practical experiences were shared by Leonie Hensel, which illustrated the essential role of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in the treatment of Weaning patients.

The highlight of the symposium was the emphasis on interdisciplinary cooperation. Prof. Dr. Schmidt-Wilcke concluded the day with an urgent call for continuous process optimization, because the challenge of weaning is great. Patients who cannot be weaned successfully often have to be in special intensive care facilities, where the rehab process is continued. The aim remains to promote the independence of patients in everyday life and to make impressive progress in rehabilitation.