A previous randomised controlled trial (RCT) in babies born < 30 weeks gestation found the so‐called CICADA method (ceasing continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) with a view to remain off rather than slow weaning) significantly reduced CPAP time. Post‐RCT we introduced the CICADA method and evaluated whether the improved outcomes of the CICADA method during the RCT were replicated in clinical practice.

The aim of the study is to compare cardio‐respiratory outcomes in PBs < 30 weeks GA over three epochs: (i) pre RCT, (ii) during RCT and (iii) post RCT implementation.

The study used prospective data to compare baseline characteristics and cardio‐respiratory outcomes over the three epochs.

There were 270/393(69%) PBs < 30 weeks GA who fulfilled the inclusion criteria over the three epochs. No significant differences were found in GA or birthweight between the three epochs (27.9 ± 1.3, 27.7 ± 1.4, 28.0 ± 1.3 (weeks ± 1 standard deviation); and 1100 ± 252, 1086 ± 251, 1094 ± 320 (grams ± 1 standard deviation)). There were significant decreases in CPAP days and corrected GA to cease CPAP post implementation (20.5 ± 2.1, 21.1 ± 2.1, 16.5 ± 1.8 (days ± SE); P = 0.006 and 33.3 ± 0.4, 33.5 ± 0.4, 32.6 ± 0.4 (weeks ± SE); P = 0.01). Compared with the pre RCT epoch, there were significant reductions in patent ductus arteriosus (36/78 (46%), 33/87 (37%), 18/103 (17%); P < 0.001) and chronic lung disease (40/78 (51%), 19/87 (21%), 30/103 (29%); P < 0.001).

CPAP time, corrected GA to cease CPAP, patent ductus arteriosus and chronic lung disease significantly reduced following the introduction of the CICADA method. Early cessation of CPAP expedites the transition from neonatal intensive care to special care.