Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Sheila Blackstock
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
Keynote: The impacts of organisational factors on horizontal bullying and turnover intentions in the nursing workplace
Time : 10:30-11:00
Biography:
Sheila Blackstock is a nursing lecturer at Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.She has over 30 years nursing experience in rural, acute care, aboriginal and community and occupational health nursing that enriches both her student-centered teaching pedogagy and research interests. She is committed to Aboriginal health and to improve quality of nursing work environments, focusing on the relationship of organizational workplace structures and processes to horizontal workplace bullying among RNs.
Abstract:
Aim: To examine the impact of organizational factors on bullying among peers (i.e. horizontal) and its effect on turnover intentions among Canadian registered nurses (RNs).Background: Bullying among nurses is an international problem. Few studies have examined factors specific to nursing work environments that may increase exposure to bullying.An Australian model of nurse bullying was tested among Canadian registered nurse coworkers using a web-based survey (n = 103). Three factors –misuse of organizational processes/procedures, organizational tolerance and reward of bullying, and informal organizational alliances – were examined as predictors of horizontal bullying, which in turn was examined as a predictor of turnover intentions. The construct validity of model measures was explored.Informal organizational alliances and misuse of organizational processes/procedures predicted increased horizontal bullying that, in turn, predicted increased turnover intentions. Construct validity of model measures was supported.Conclusion: Negative informal alliances and misuse of organizational processes are antecedents to bullying, which adversely affects employment relationship stability and the implications for nursing management. The results suggest that reforming flawed organizational processes that contribute to registered nurses’ bullying experiences may help to reduce chronically high turnover. Nurse leaders and managers need to create workplace processes that foster positive networks, fairness and respect through more transparent and accountable practices.
Keynote Forum
Umit Yuksek
Cardiologist, Odemis State Hospital Cardiology Clinic, Izmir, Turkey
Keynote: Kounis Syndrome- from diagnosis to treatment a real challenge
Time : 10:00-10:30
Biography:
Dr. Umit Yuksek is a cardiologist (M.D.) at Odemis State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. He graduated from Hacettepe University Medical Faculty at 2003. He became a cardiology specialist from Izmir Ataturk Education and Research Hospital at 2010. Between 2010-2014 he studied at Kastamonu State Hospital aCrdiology Clinic. He currently studies as a director of Cardiology Clinic at Odemis State Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. His studies mainly focus on coronary artery disease and heart failure. He is a member of Turkish Society of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Academy and Eurupean Society of Cardiology Heart Failure Association.
Abstract:
Kounis syndrome is the coexistence of acute coronary syndromes with hypersensitivity reactions. There are many etiologies that have been reported including drugs, medical conditions, environmental exposure and stent implantation. There are 3 types of Kounis syndrome. Type 1 Kounis syndrome is the one seen in patients with normal coronary arteries. Type 2 is seen in patients with pre-existing atheromatous disease. Type 3 is stent thrombosis due to hypersensitivity reactions to the components of the stent. The exact mechanism of this syndrome is not clearly identified. There are some possible mechanisms. The most accepted mechanism is mast cell degranulation after the allergic insult. Chemical mediators released from mast cells are thought to induce coronary artery spasm or to promote platelet aggregation. Some interesting samples of Kounis syndrome, a brief summary of our case report, the diagnosis, etiology and pathophysiology of the disease, the treatment options (including the hint points related to the treatment) and the future perspective for the disease will be discussed.
Keynote Forum
Sek Ying Chair
Director and Professor, The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine,The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong.
Keynote: The effect of motivational interviewing on outcomes of cardiac patients
Time : 11:20-11:50
Biography:
Prof. SY Chair is the Director and Professor of the Nethersole School of Nursing at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She is the President of Hong Kong College of Cardiac Nursing and an Honorary Advisor of Hong Kong College of Critical Care Nursing and the Institute of Advanced Nursing Studies, Hospital Authority. Prof. Chair’s research interests focus on cardiovascular and critical care nursing and she has published over 100 peer-reviewed research articles. Prof. Chair is Co-Editor of Connect: The World of Critical Care Nursing and an Editorial Board Member of Asian Nursing Research and Journal of Research in Nursing.
Abstract:
Motivational interviewing (MI), a well-recognized counselling skill, has been widely used in promoting behavioral changes. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to examine the effects of MI on patient outcomes and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among cardiac patients. The control group (CG) received usual care of an 8-week cardiac rehabilitation (CR), including 16 sessions of 2-hour exercise and 6 sessions of 1-hour education. The intervention group (IG), on top of the usual care, received extra 10 sessions of MI (30-45 minutes/session) on building the motivation for change. Clinical outcomes (blood pressure, body mass index, and lipid profiles), depression and anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and HRQoL (SF-36) were measured at baseline and 3-month after entering study. As result, 146 patients (73 per group) were recruited. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between groups after intervention (all p values > 0.05). Patients in the IG had more improvements in HRQoL, in the aspects of general health (p = 0.048) and role limitation due to emotional problems (p = 0.024). However, the IG group reported significantly higher increases in anxiety levels than those in CG (p = 0.030). In conclusion, MI contributed no significant effect on clinical outcomes and limited effect on HRQoL in cardiac patients at 3-month. With an already comprehensive and intensive CR program, it might be difficult to achieve extra clinical improvements. Given the increased anxiety levels in the IG, MI might become a burden to those who need to rush to work after CR.
Keynote Forum
Dr. Shade Akande
Stony Brook Medicine. USA
Keynote: Factors associated with Heart failure Readmissions from Skilled Nursing facilities
Time : 12:15-13:05
Biography:
Shade Akande has completed her doctoral of nursing practice from Stony Brook University. NY. USA. she has given numerous podium presentations related to nursing practice. As a clinician, she has the expertise, leadership and motivation to successfully contribute to the mission and values of programs and the institution as a whole. She is dedicated to continuously deliver excellent and quality care to the population with increased productivity and positive outcome, fostering education and to embrace the concept of continuous performance improvement.
Abstract:
Background: Despite guideline-driven pharmacological therapies and careful transitional care, the rates of preventable hospital re-admission of heart failure patients and associated costs remain unacceptably high in the SNF populations. Transfer to SNF is one strategy to limit hospitalizations. As such, 25% of patients are still symptomatic at time of discharge. Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify patient factors affecting re-admissions of HF patients residing in SNF within 30-days. Methods: A retrospective electronic chart review was completed on patients >65 years with HF who were admitted into large medical center between 2012 and 2014. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses using the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous data was used to compare patients readmitted within 30 days vs. those who were not readmitted within 30 days. Significant factors associated with readmission in the univariate analysis (p<0.10) were included for a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Fifteen variables: creatinine, weight difference, CKD, Angina, Arrhythmia, VHD, Tobacco, ADL, independent in bathing, independent in the toilet, S3 Heart sounds present, HJR, AF, Nitrates, and Hydralazine, were identified for the multivariate logistic regression as potential risk factors associated with “readmission within 30 days”. Creatinine and ADLs were included in the final model as this subset of predictors was found to be the best for prediction of “readmission within 30 days”. Creatinine (p<0.0087) and ADLs (p<0.0077) were both significantly associated with readmission within 30 days in the final logistic regression model. Every 1-unit increase in creatinine is associated with an 87% increase in the odds of being readmitted within 30 days (OR = 1.87). Those patients who require assistance with ADLs are over 9 times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days (OR=9.25) as compared to patients who are independent
- Collaborative Nursing
Session Introduction
Amanda Peat
Cabrini Hospital, Australia
Title: Man vs. Machine: A comparison of assessment of chest compressions by trained assessors compared with mannequin recording. – How research can inform practice.
Biography:
Amanda Peat currently works as the Advanced Care Educator and Simulation Educator at Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Within her role she is responsible for the development and delivery of the cardiovascular curriculum within her organisation. She has completed a post graduate degree in Intensive Care Nursing and is currently completing her Master of Health Professional Education. Her research in the field of Basic Life Support has been presented internationally and the systems changes, informed by her research findings, haave been adopted by multiple centres within Australia
Abstract:
The delivery of effective chest compressions is the single most important factor in positive patient outcomes following cardiac arrest (Kern et al, 2002; Iwami et al, 2012). Recent changes to Australian, American and European Resuscitation Council guidelines reinforce the need to deliver quality, uninterrupted chest compressions. Currently, all clinical staff in a major Australian private hospital are required to gain annual accreditation in basic life support (BLS). Previously, selected clinical staff were trained to assess their peers in BLS performance, however there was a lack of evidence to support whether these assessors could accurately grade the quality of chest compressions. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare assessor scores of chest compression performance with those generated by a mannequin. This study identified that trained BLS assessors are not able to accurately assess poor quality and competency in performing chest compressions. This study reinforced the use of innovative technology to improve the assessment of chest compressions with the hope to improve patient outcomes following cardiac arrest. Based upon the findings from this study, the BLS assessment method within the organisation has been reviewed and changed. The new program utilises resuscitation mannequins to provide low dose, high frequency training that provides real-time, objective feedback and negates the need to train BLS assessors or remove staff from the clinical area. This study has resulted in the development of a BLS assessment program that is both cost effective and sustainable. More importantly, the new program has an improved reliability in detecting poor chest compression competence amongst staff, provides objective assessment and feedback on performance and can ultimately have a positive impact on patient survival from cardiac arrest.
Elif Budak
BaÅŸkent University, Turkey
Title: Effects of Preoperative Individualized Education on Postoperative Anxiety and Pain on Patients Undergoing Heart Surgery.
Biography:
Elif graduated from Baskent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing in 2011. She worked as a nurse at cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit for 2 years. She has completed her master degree at BaÅŸkent University in 2015. Master thesis title is “Effects of Preoperative Individualized Education on Postoperative Anxiety and Pain on Patients Undergoing Heart Surgery”. She has continued to PhD program at Gazi University, Department of Surgical Nursing. She is working as a Research Assistant at BaÅŸkent University, School of Nursing. She published two study. One of them was “Determination of the Beliefs Towards to Mental Illness in Nursing Students in Baskent University” and the other one was “Awareness of Skin Cancer, Prevention and Early Detection among Turkish University Students”.
Abstract:
Open heart surgery may produce emotional, cognitive, and physiological negative effects. This effects can be decreased with individualized education, therefore it can be reached positive patient outcomes. The study was to determine the effects of preoperative individualized education on postoperative anxiety and pain in patients undergoing open heart surgery. This 2015 quasi-experimental study included 109 patients. Data were collected using the “Data Collection Form”, “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)”, and “Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)”. The mean age was 59.62 years. Of the patients, 69.7% were males and 92.7% were married, and 49.5% were graduated from primary school. Majority of the patients (71.6%) had concomitant coronary artery disease. Anxiety was mostly originated from lack of knowledge on surgery (70.6%), leaving the relatives (21.1%), fear of death (16.5%), and pain (15.6%). The mean preoperative state and trait anxiety scores were 34.34±9.03 and 37.98±8.28, respectively. The mean postoperative state anxiety scores were 35.94±8.92. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean pre- and postoperative state anxiety scores. However, the mean pre- and postoperative state anxiety scores were statistically significantly associated with the mean pain score. In conclusion, preoperative anxiety management based on individual patient’s characteristics in combination with individualized patient-centered education may reduce the degree of anxiety and improve postoperative healing.
Berrak Balanuye
BaÅŸkent University, Turkey
Title: The Nursing Care Process of a Patient with ECMO Device according to Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns
Biography:
She graduated from Baskent University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing in 2010. She worked as a nurse at cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit for 3 years. She completed her master degree at BaÅŸkent University in 2014. Master thesis title is “The Effects of Workloads of Nurses Whom Work in Surgical Clinics on Patient Safety”. She has continued to PhD program at Gazi University, Department of Surgical Nursing. She is working as a Research Assistant at BaÅŸkent University, School of Nursing. She has published two study. One of them was “The Attitude And Opinions Of Nurses Working In Operating Theaters Towards Technology And The Difficulties They Encounter ” and the other one was “Awareness of Skin Cancer, Prevention and Early Detection among Turkish University Students”.
Abstract:
ECMO (ExtraCorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) is a treatment method that has been applied to the patients with reversible cardiac or respiratory failure for temporary life support. The case study was determine the Nursing Care Process of a Patient with ECMO Device according to Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns. The patient (R.G.) who is 54-years-old male with inferior MI and PTCA applied. Cardiac support was provided with ECMO was in cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit and by monitored mechanical ventilation.The hemodynamics of R.G. was unstable and high dose of dopamine, adrenaline, lasix, heparin infusion was started. R.G.’s Glaskow Coma Scale is 9. Because of ECMO, the left arm occured compartment syndrome, the fasciotomy was made. Acinetobacter in blood, candida in the urine and pneumonia occured. He was taken in prisma dialysis machine. Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Score Risk is 5 point, widespread ecchymosis in the coccyx, Bates-Jensen wound assesment tool was evaluated between 17-21 points. ECMO nurse follow-up in the form of parameters, in the first day of ECMO is Activated Clotting Time(ACT)=241second, Blood Pressure= 77/56mm-Hg, Revolution per minute (RPM)=6800, Flow=3.9min/L.The care was planned according to 28 nursing diagnosis under Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns. At the end of 26 days of treatment and nursing care to poor prognosis was inseparable from ECMO and R.G. died. Caring a patient with ECMO, aware of complications are important for nurses.The usage of improved ECMO nursing care guides was suggested.
Shade Akande
Stony Brook Medicine, USA
Title: Factors associated with heart failure readmissions from skilled nursing facilities
Biography:
Shade Akande has completed her Doctor of Nursing practice from Stony Brook University. NY, USA in the year 2015. She has given numerous podium presentations related to nursing practice. As a Clinician, she has the expertise, leadership and motivation to successfully contribute to the mission and values of programs and the institution as a whole. She is dedicated to continuously deliver excellent and quality care to the population with increased productivity and positive outcome, fostering education and to embrace the concept of continuous performance improvement.
Abstract:
Background: Despite guideline-driven pharmacological therapies and careful transitional care, the rates of preventable hospital re-admission of heart failure patients and associated costs remain unacceptably high in the SNF populations. Transfer to SNF is one strategy to limit hospitalizations. As such, 25% of patients are still symptomatic at the time of discharge. Purpose: The objective of this study is to identify patient factors affecting re-admissions of HF patients residing in SNF within 30-days. Methods: A retrospective electronic chart review was completed on patients > 65 years with HF who were admitted into large medical center between 2012 and 2014. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous data was used to compare patients readmitted within 30 days vs. those who were not readmitted within 30 days. Significant factors associated with readmission in the univariate analysis (p<0.10) were included for a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Fifteen variables: creatinine, weight difference, CKD, angina, arrhythmia, VHD, tobacco, ADL, independent in bathing, independent in the toilet, S3 heart sounds present, HJR, AF, nitrates, and hydralazine, were identified for the multivariate logistic regression as potential risk factors associated with “readmission within 30 days”. Creatinine and ADLs were included in the final model as this subset of predictors was found to be the best for prediction of “readmission within 30 days”. Creatinine (p<0.0087) and ADLs (p<0.0077) were both significantly associated with readmission within 30 days in the final logistic regression model. Every 1-unit increase in creatinine is associated with an 87% increase in the odds of being readmitted within 30 days (OR=1.87). Those patients who require assistance with ADLs are over 9 times more likely to be readmitted within 30 days (OR=9.25) as compared to patients who are independent.
Lars Andersen
Lancaster General Health Research Institute, USA
Title: Familial hypercholesterolemia screening: challenges and opportunities
Biography:
Lars Andersen completed his bachelor’s degree in history and pre-medical coursework at Brown University in 2015. He has since performed research on disorders of lipid metabolism, focused on familial hypercholesterolemia, familial defective apolipoprotein B-100, and loss-of-function mutations in APOC3, at the Lancaster General Health Research Institute within the Penn Medicine network. He has authored several publications on familial hypercholesterolemia screening and identification strategies for local and general populations.
Abstract:
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder of lipid metabolism characterized by the severe elevation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles in the bloodstream. FH affects every racial and ethnic group, appearing at a rate of 1/200 to 1/500 persons worldwide. Despite its status as the world’s most common potentially deadly genetic illness, FH is highly underdiagnosed and undertreated in the United States and internationally. Without treatment FH increases the risk of cardiovascular disease to twenty times that of the general population. Cascade screening, a process of identifying affected family members of an FH index case, has been successfully executed in countries such as the Netherlands and the Czech Republic; however, the United States has fallen behind these nations in addressing FH on an epidemiological scale. Two primary factors have hindered successful screening for FH in the United States, and likely pose challenges in select countries internationally as well: disproportionately low funding allocations for FH research compared to its disease burden and strict privacy laws limiting contact with relatives of FH index cases. Cascade screening for FH has been repeatedly proven to be cost-effective in terms of quality-adjusted life years added, and serves as an opportunity to intervene early and halt the progression of atherosclerosis.
Tarun Dasari
University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, USA
Title: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy- An Update
Biography:
Tarun W. Dasari, M.D., M.P.H., is an assistant professor of medicine at University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine, advanced heart failure and cardiac transplantation, cardiovascular diseases, echocardiography and nuclear cardiology. He completed a fellowship in heart transplantation and advanced heart failure at Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill., and in cardiovascular disease from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, where he also completed his residency and internship. He earned a master’s degree in public health from the same institute.He earned his medical degree from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, India.
Abstract:
Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a rare cause of heart failure and remains to be a diagnosis of exclusion. PPCM is diagnosed in patients who meet the following three diagnostic criteria: development of clinical heart failure in the last month of pregnancy or within 5 months of delivery, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 45% and where no other obvious cause of heart failure can be found. It may occur in childbearing women of any age, but it is most common after age 30. PPCM is a rare disorder in the United States. The United States has an estimated case rate of 1 in 2500 to 4000 live birth. Traditional risk factors include: maternal age greater than 30, multiparity, multifetal pregnancy, African descent, high blood pressure, prior toxin exposure such as cocaine etc. PPCM has a poor prognosis with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The exact etiology of PPCM is still unknown. Some of the proposed mechanisms include inflammatory and prolactin mediated cardiomyopathy. Published data thus far has been limited by the small sample sizes without a comprehensive analysis of risk factors, treatment patterns, guideline recommended heart failure drug doses, echocardiographic and cardiac biomarker assessment and long term clinical outcomes.
Biography:
Syreeta Corbitt, is an Assistant Nurse Manager and provides front line leadership and nursing care for patients in the Maternal Child Health Department in Oakland, California. Syreeta has practiced nursing care for 19 years and has various clinical experience including Medical Surgical, Psychiatric Health, Women’s Health and Labor and Delivery. In 1997, she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing from Itawamba Community College. In 1999, Syreeta earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mississippi University for Women. Syreeta is currently pursuing a dual Master’s Degree in Nursing and Business Administration from Holy Names University. She is a member of Bay Area Black Nurse’s Association, Bay Area Nursing Informatics Association and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nurses and a student representative for HNU Student Coordinating Committee (SCC).
Abstract:
Graduate Nursing scholars from Holy Names University collaborated with a teaching hospital educator to develop three standard nursing protocols. Nurses identified the needs, wants and desire (NWDs) for developing an ECG Prn Protocol. An electrocardiogram or ECG is a common test used to record the flow of electrical current through the heart. A retrospective study uses existing data that have been recorded for reasons other than research. Health care labels as “chart reviews” because the data source is the medical record. In this study we report on the design of the retrospective patient record study on the frequency of electrocardiograms (ECGs) ordered in different units at a teaching hospital. Attention is paid to strengths and limitations of the study design. Due to lack of standardization in medical and nursing practice, the process in which ECGs are currently ordered and performed varies by unit. Changes in clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been found to not only be influenced by individual health professionals, but also by organizational factors. The purpose of this study is to examine the difference in frequency of ECGs ordered and performed between January and March 2016 on a Coronary Care Unit and a Medical-Surgical Unit at a teaching hospital. This protocol will allow nurses to rapidly order an ECG based upon nursing assessment and approved criteria. The ECG has valuable information based on the intensity of the heart's contractions and time intervals between those contractions for Physician’s evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. 80% ECG were ordered by RNs.
- Diagnosis tests & Procedures in Cardiology
Session Introduction
Dave fornell
Editor, Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology (DAIC) magazine, Chicago, IL
Title: Paradigm Shift Cardiac Technology Advances
Biography:
Dave Fornell is a medical journalist who has covered the latest advances in cardiology and radiology for the past nine years for Diagnostic and Intervention Cardiology (DAIC) and Imaging Technology News (ITN). He attends numerous medical conferences each year to to see what vendors are developing, attend key technology sessions and late breaking clinical trial presentations. In addition to his articles, he is a regular blogger on new medical innovation, a moderator for several technology webinars, and produces more than 40 videos a year on the new technologies, trends and interviews with late breaking trial principle investigators.
Abstract:
There are several technological advances that may change the current standards of care for cardiology in the coming years. These new technologies are coming at the same time the U.S. healthcare system is undergoing major reforms and they may contibute to efforts to reduce costs, cut lengths of stay, enable easier delivery of care and reduce complication rates. These tecnologie also might simplify management of patients with chronic cardiac conditions, like atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The newest technologies are also part of a larger trend in healthcare toward minimally invasive and noninvasive diagnostic and therapy options. These will eventually reduce the number of open-heart surgeries, diagnostic catheterizations and enable complex procedures such as heart valve replacement to be conducted as out-patient procedures. This technology update report will discuss advances across the cardiovascular subspecialties of interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, structural heart repair, heart valve repair and replacement, heart failure management and cardiac imaging. FDA cleared technologies entering practice include transcatheter aortic replacement (TAVR); left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion; implantable cardiac monitors; leadless implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs); and fractional flow reserve computed tomography (FFR-CT) for noninvasive assessment of coronary blockages. There are also several new technologies that may have major impacts on care in the future that are now entering FDA investigation device exemption trials or under current FDA review. These technologies include fully bioresorbable stents; transcatheter delivered, leadless pacemakers; transcatheter mitral valves and annuloplasty systems; and implantable early warning monitors for new onset of myocardial infarction in previously treated heart attack patients.
Roxanne M. Martinez
Orange Coast Memorial, USA
Title: An Integrated Multi-Disciplinary Apporach to Fast Track Extubation in Routine Cardiac Surgery Patients
Biography:
Roxanne M Martinez is a Board Certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Nurse Specialist at Orange Coast Memorial with Cardiovascular Services and works with various patient populations including cardiac surgery, heart failure, and post acute myocardial infarctions. She completed her Master of Science degree at University of California, Los Angeles. She sits on the board of American Association of Critical Care Nurses, Greater Long Beach Orange County chapter and is an active member of National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Los Angeles chapter.
Abstract:
Introduction: Prolonged intubation in cardiac surgery patients has been associated with poor patient outcomes including risk of aspiration, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and ventilator induced lung injury. It also has been associated with prolonged Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and in-hospital length of stay (LOS). Prolonged intubation also increases cost to the hospital and individual patients. The literature suggests that reducing intubation time can lead to improve quality of care and postoperative patient outcomes. Our intubation time was 6.8 hours, which was higher than the six hours goal set forth by the Society of Thoracic Surgery. Aim: The aim of this study is to decrease the extubation time to less than six hours. The outcome variables that we measured were extubation time and in-hospital LOS. Method: We included all patients who underwent heart surgery (n=139) via sternotomy and minimally invasive procedures. Patients were identified as early extubation candidates by evaluating their PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio. Patients who had a P/F ratio of greater than 200 were deemed eligible for early extubation. The rapid ventilator weaning protocol was implemented on patients whose P/F ratio was less than 200. Results: Following the implementation of the rapid weaning protocol, intubation time in our ICU for post cardiac surgery patients were decreased from 6.8 hours to 2.89 hours; and in-hospital LOS decreased from 6.5 days to 5.3 days. Conclusion: We recommend to use a standardized protocol to assess individual patient eligibility for early extubation. The rapid ventilator weaning protocol was effective in assisting early extubation of post cardiac surgery patients.