Methods and systems are provided that determine whether a patient is receiving minimal support from a ventilator. In one embodiment, a ventilation system may determine a value of a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and a value of a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of a patient. The ventilation system may determine a pressure differential between the value of PIP and the value of PEEP and compare the pressure differential to a threshold. The ventilation system may determine that the patient is receiving minimal support if the pressure differential is below the threshold. Further, the ventilation system may provide an indication of the detection of minimal support.
