Ventilator weaning: protocol of a bibliometric analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Ventilator weaning has been frequently addressed by the international scientific community, observing different types of approach, which leads to a disparity in the results obtained in the various studies and in the systematization and/or standardization of procedures, at this crucial moment, for the person in critical care units. With scientific progress, several experimental studies have been conducted that document this need, and there are few secondary studies that add to these conclusions. Objective: The bibliometric analysis designed in this document aims to analyse the behaviour of scientific publications in the context of ventilator weaning, dissecting trends and highlighting research opportunities. Methods: Protocol of a mixed methods study that will include quantitative and qualitative studies. In addition to primary studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses will also be considered. As there is no specific methodological framework for bibliometric analysis protocols, it is important to mention that the study will follow the guidelines of DONTU et al (2021) in the quantitative phase of the research and will follow the guidelines of BHANDARI (2022) in the qualitative phase of the research. The research will include Web of Science (Clarivate) indexed studies, as a database that presents tools that allow gathering bibliometric indicators that can be analysed in specific software (Sitescape and VOSViewer), and that will allow defining the evolution, over time, of scientific production and which are the most relevant studies in this conceptual area. MAXQDA software will allow the qualitative analysis of the articles included (studies published since 2015) and will determine: the methodological trends in this line of investigation; the contributions of the development of this procedure to clinical practice in intensive care; limitations pointed out by the selected studies; and the future perspectives envisioned by their authors. The results will be presented in graphical, tabular and narrative format.