Analysis of the alveolar recruitment maneuvers of applications in the intensive care units seven | Análisis de las maniobras de reclutamiento alveolar aplicadas en siete unidades de cuidado intensivo

For the past years, alveolar recruitment maneuvers (RM) have originated a growing interest due to their beneficial potential in pulmonary protection, and have been introduced in clinical practice. Objective: Describe and analyze the knowledge of the MR and its application in seven intensive care units in the city of Cali, Colombia. Method and materials: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study with an intentional sample of 64 professionals working in seven intensive care units and apply MR. The self-completed survey was made up of thirteen questions, and the application period was two months. Results: To perform RM, of 64 professionals survey, 77.8% of the healthcare providers that were polled follow a protocol guide, in which 54.7% answered that during RM the ideal Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is the one which maintains a saturation > 90% and a PaO2 > 60 mmHg; 42.1% tolerates airway pressures between 35 and 50 cmH2O; 48.4% perform RM with a progressive increase of the PEEP and a low tidal volume. Conclusions: Regarding the knowledge related to RM, heterogeneity was found in the answers. There is currently no consensus about which is the most effective and secure way to implement an MR. This study can be the starting point to create awareness towards the revision of knowledge, capacities and abilities that are required to perform RM.