Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Using evidence-based practice to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia
Mary Beth Sedwick1, Mary Lance-Smith, Sara J Reeder
1Lankenau Medical Center, Main Line Health System, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania 19096, USA. sedwickm@mlhs.org
Background:
Strategies are needed to help prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Objective:
To develop a ventilator bundle and care practices for nurses in critical care units to reduce the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Method:
The ventilator bundle developed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement was expanded to include protocols for mouth care and hand washing, head-of-bed alarms, subglottic suctioning, and use of an electronic compliance feedback tool. Compliance audits were used to provide immediate electronic feedback.
Results:
Adherence to practices included in the bundle increased. Compliance rates were greater than 98% for prophylaxis for peptic ulcer disease and deep-vein thrombosis, interruption of sedation, and elevation of the head of the bed. The compliance rate for the oral care protocol increased from 76% to 96.8%. Readiness for extubation reached at least 92.4%. Rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia decreased from 9.47 to 1.9 cases per 1000 ventilator days. The decrease in rates produced an estimated savings of approximately $1.5 million.
Conclusion:
Strict adherence to bundled practices for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia, enhanced accountability for initiating protocols, use of a feedback system, and interdisciplinary collaboration improved patients' outcomes and produced marked savings in costs.
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