Table 2.

Appropriateness of using time-limited trials

Clinical vignette	Time-limited trial treatment	N (%) Appropriate	Average duration (days)
A 79-year-old man with severe idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis was admitted to the medical ICU for acute hypoxic respiratory failure 3 days ago. On arrival to the ICU, he was intubated for worsening hypoxaemia. His ventilator settings are currently: Tidal volume 450 mL, respiratory rate 18, FiO2 70%, PEEP 14 cm H2O. Over 3 days, his condition has neither improved nor worsened while on appropriate treatment. He has not tolerated any spontaneous breathing trials.	IMV	46 (74%)	4 (IQR: 3,7)
A 56-year-old woman with alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted to the medical ICU 4 days ago for septic shock from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Her last drink was 4 months ago. She is not currently a transplant candidate but may be in the future. Over 4 days, her renal function has worsened, and she was started on continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) yesterday.	CRRT	49 (78%)	5.5 (IQR: 4,7)
A 77-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukaemia was admitted to the medical ICU with hypoxic respiratory failure 3 days ago. She is on HHFNC with an FiO2 of 85%. Her pulse oximetry is 92% at rest and drops to the mid 80s with any activity. She has stated that she does not want to be intubated. Over past 3 days, she has not improved despite appropriate treatment. During this time, her condition has neither improved nor worsened.	HHFNC	56 (92%)	5 (IQR: 3,7)

HHFNC, heated high flow nasal cannula; ICU, intensive care unit; IMV, invasive mechanical ventilation.