Work

How I Teach Mechanical Ventilator Waveform Analysis: A Focus on Normal Ventilator Waveforms

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Identification and management of patient-ventilator asynchronies is a fundamental skill for the management of mechanical ventilation and often requires interpretation of mechanical ventilation waveform scalars. However, teaching mechanical ventilation waveform analysis can be challenging for educators due to the complexity of the material. In this entry of How I Teach, we provide an approach to teaching the concept of "normal" mechanical ventilator waveforms as an introduction to the broader topic of patient-ventilator asynchronies. We stress that intimate knowledge of normal mechanical ventilator appearance and physiology is vital prior to tackling the concepts of abnormal mechanical ventilator waveforms. We offer a framework to present this material in a classroom or small group setting, summarize key concepts, and provide concrete examples of the educational techniques we utilize.

Source: ATS Scholar

DOI: 10.1093/atsscholar/aapag020

Authors: Michael Keller, Nitin Seam, Burton Lee

Institutions: University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore VA Medical Center, National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Language: English

Topic: Respiratory Support and Mechanisms

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500