[WeanNet: a network of weaning units headed by pneumologists].

There is an increase of both prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) and prolonged weaning from the respirator in the last decade in Germany. Prolonged MV is associated with an increase of morbidity, mortality and costs.The network "WeanNet", which has been founded by the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e. V. (DGP, German Respiratory Society) connects weaning units headed by pneumologists with special experience in intensive care medicine.The certification of a weaning unit within WeanNet aims at the improvement of treatment quality, outcome and reduction of costs by well defined structures and processes.Based on growing experience the criteria and procedures of the certification process were adjusted in the last years, leading to a higher transparency and acceleration of the process. On this background WeanNet is necessary to improve the communication about prolonged weaning in public health, with insurance companies and associated scientific societies. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.