Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Reducing the Risk

A mechanical ventilator can be a life-saving device. It is also the leading cause of infections in the ICU. National initiatives have targeted a reduction in VAP infection rates, which can be achieved by following evidence-based practices.

This program produced in association with:

Learning Objective: Describe the epidemiology of VAP; discuss the risk factors for VAP; explain prevention strategies; and demonstrate interventions to prevent VAP

VAP is the leading cause of healthcare acquired infections in the ICU and accounts for 60% of all ICU deaths! By incorporating the CDC's Guideline for Preventing Healthcare Associated Pneumonia, the clinical guidelines by the American Association for Respiratory Care, and other evidence-based practices by the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute Care Hospitals, clinicians can:

• Decrease rates of infection
• Improve patient care
• Reduce costs to the facility

This program can help do that by educating staff on the following:

• Understand why ventilated patients are more susceptible to pneumonia
• Recognize risk factors for VAP
• Practice prevention strategies that will:
  1. Prevent contamination
  2. Prevent aspiration
  3. Reduce colonization
  4. Boost defenses

• Annual In-Service
• Nursing Education
• Remedial/Risk Reduction Training
• Medical Staff

This program funded in-part through an unrestricted educational grant provided by

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