Clinical Research Directory

Protocolized Weaning of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Adult Patients

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a type of oxygen therapy commonly used in adults with breathing problems. While HFNC can help patients avoid breathing tubes and improve oxygen levels, there is no standard method for deciding how and when to reduce and stop this therapy once a patient improves. In many hospitals, these decisions vary from clinician to clinician. This study will compare usual care with a standardized step-by-step plan for reducing HFNC support. Eight hospitals will participate and will switch from usual care to the standardized plan at different time points during the study. The main goal is to determine whether the standardized weaning plan increases the number of patients who can successfully stop HFNC within 5 days. The study will also evaluate how long patients remain on HFNC, whether they need additional breathing support, and how long they stay in the hospital. The results may help develop clearer guidance for safely and efficiently stopping HFNC therapy.