Patients aged 17 and older on continuous mechanical ventilation for 21 days or more

Founded on December 1, 1978. In 1999, the hospital spearheaded the national pilot project to develop the Integrated Delivery System (IDS) for ventilator-dependent patients, becoming a global pioneer in the four-stage respiratory care system. As the nation’s first Respiratory Care Center (RCC), it successfully shaped Taiwan’s respiratory care quality policies and the National Health Insurance IDS framework.

Core Innovation: I-RICH Holistic Care：Nation’s First: Applying "I-RICH" Holistic Quality Care for Ventilator-Dependent Patients Our hospital pioneered the "I-RICH" comprehensive holistic care model tailored for ventilator-dependent patients. Through "Innovation (I)" via proactive early case management and the integration of "Rehabilitation (R)" through graded pulmonary exercises, this model combines multiple patented hardware solutions and evidence-based clinical tools. It effectively improves ventilator weaning rates, reduces complications, and assists patients in successfully returning to family life.

I. System Innovation Active Case Mgmt & Early Intervention: The automated IDS system triggers active consultations when ventilator use hits 21 days. Specialized consultants round all ICUs to ensure timely weaning. Hospital-Wide EBP Rollout: Implemented a post-steroid inhalation rinsing protocol with structured charts. Oral candidiasis rates dropped from 70% to 16%, and care compliance rose to 94.6%, leading to a successful hospital-wide rollout.

II. Rehabilitation & Hardware Innovation Tiered Thoracic Rehab: Partnered with cross-dept teams (incl. music therapists) to design a 4-tier personalized exercise plan based on MMT. It covers diaphragmatic and resistance training, engaging families to boost motivation. Wireless Safe Environment: Used wireless monitors to replace 4-6 tethering cables for Tier 4 ambulation. Real-time data syncs to the central monitor, eliminating fall anxiety and boosting compliance. Co-Developed Rehab Bed: Collaborated with medical supplies to create a bed featuring large-angle tilts (back: 0-75°, legs: 0-20°) and magnetic vests. It includes rail slots for tubes to prevent VAP, built-in displays to enforce the 30-45° head-of-bed standard.

III. Nursing Tool Innovation Clinical & Home Care Assistive Tools: Created a 7-color sputum card to unify assessments for precise prescribing. Pocket boards and iPad apps resolve communication barriers for intubated patients. Tracheostomy and suction models transfer skills seamlessly to families, reducing readmissions.

• 27 Years of Clinical Legacy (Since 1999): Ranks first in patient volume among all medical center Respiratory Care Centers (RCCs) in Taiwan, serving the highest cumulative caseload.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Compliance: The majority of patients are classified under Rehab Stages 1 and 2, achieving a 100% rehabilitation execution rate.

Ventilator Weaning Success: The ventilator weaning success rate reached 57.2% in 2025, significantly exceeding the IDS benchmark threshold, and maintained a high performance of 53% from January to April 2026.

Family Satisfaction: The overall satisfaction rate for the Respiratory Care Center’s family seminars from 2021 to 2025 averaged an outstanding 97.6%.

VAP Rate: 2025 actual was 0‰ (TCPI benchmark: 0.7‰). CLABSI Rate: 2025 average was 4.31‰ (TCPI threshold: 5‰). Urinary Catheter Slippage Rate: 2025 average was 5.6‰ (TCPI standard: 7‰). Summary: All clinical infection and tube dislodgement rates outperformed the medical center peer groups.

• Patient and Family Satisfaction: Patient and family satisfaction reached an outstanding 98.6%.

• Referral Service Quality: Satisfaction rates across all dimensions of referral services consistently exceeded 90%.

• Ventilator Weaning Success Rate (2009-2015): Reached 54.2%, outperforming global benchmarks: US (54.1%), Spain (44.65%), UK (38%), and Chicago, US (38%).

• Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Rate (2010-2014): Sustained at 0‰, vastly superior to the US NHSN 2012 report benchmark of 0.07‰ for adult step-down units.

• Clinical Mortality Rate: Reduced to 6.25%, significantly lower than international rates: US (25%), Spain (7.1%), UK (35%), and Chicago, US (50%).

Global Pioneer: In 1999, the hospital became a global pioneer in leading the development of the world's first four-stage respiratory care system. National Trailblazer: Established the nation's very first Respiratory Care Center (RCC), successfully shaping Taiwan's respiratory care quality policies and the National Health Insurance IDS framework. World-Class Excellence: The clinical outcomes and quality of care delivered by our team have consistently surpassed global benchmarks.