Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Mechanical Ventilation Boot Camp Curriculum
Published on: March 12, 2018
[Evaluation of a mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia prevention program: results after one year]
T García Araguas1, I Irigoyen Aristorena, C Zazpe Oyarzun
1Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos A, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, España. teresagarciaaraguas@hotmail.com
Introduction:
With the aim of improving healthcare quality and safety of the patient, a multidisciplinary program was introduced and directed at the prevention of Mechanical Ventilation Associated Pneumonia (MVAP), following a continuous improvement cycle of PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Adjust). An analysis of the measures applied is presented.
Aims:
Evaluation of the MVAP prevention program: theoretical knowledge, and fulfilment of the measures proposed. Analysis of the annual MVAP variation.
Material And Methods:
Acquired knowledge was evaluated through questionnaires. The results of the fulfilment of the measures proposed (elevation of the bed headboard, optimal pressure of the cuff, and oral hygiene) were analysed through monthly audits. Calculation of annual rate of MVAP and respiratory infections.
Results:
The knowledge of MVAP and its prevention had improved (P<.05). Preventive measures: Significant difference in the maintenance of headboard at >30° (P<.05) and in the performing of oral hygiene (P<.05). Improvement in the maintenance of cuff pressure between 20 and 30cm H2O (P=.13). Decline and stabilization of yearly rate of MVAP (0.7%).
Conclusions:
The introduction of a training program and of a set of preventive non-pharmacological measures decreased the incidence of MVAP.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
