Prevention and Management of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia--the Care Bundle Approach (Report‪)‬

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), defined as pneumonia occurring 48 - 72 hours after endotracheal intubation, remains the most common and fatal nosocomial intensive care unit (ICU) infection among mechanically ventilated patients. (1-3) Each episode of VAP results in extended ICU and hospital stay and increased cost of treatment per patient. VAP is not particularly selective, and any patient mechanically ventilated for 48 hours is at risk of developing an episode. Patients (adults, children and neonates) who are critically ill and cannot maintain their own respiratory function adequately, or have a compromised airway, require an artificial airway to provide ventilatory support and for clearance of secretions. The indications for endotracheal intubation to facilitate mechanical ventilation to provide adequate oxygenation and respiratory support may be either pulmonary or non-pulmonary, and therefore include trauma, surgical (emergency or elective), and medical patients. The consequences of VAP warrant efforts to implement prevention strategies and manage each episode effectively. Ventilator-associated pneumonia