A survey of current ventilator circuit changes in intensive care units in England.

A survey of intensive care units (England) aimed at identifying current practices in ventilator circuit changes. A random sample of 180 units were surveyed, 152 (84%) questionnaires were returned. The results demonstrated a wide range of current practices regarding circuitry and related respiratory equipment changes. Tentative recommendations for practice are suggested based on current knowledge and evidence from previous studies.