Identifying risk factors and evaluating MDT nursing interventions for ventilator-associated pneumonia in mechanically...

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious complication in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. This study investigates its risk factors and evaluates the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team (MDT)-based nursing intervention in reducing VAP incidence. A retrospective case-control analysis was carried out at the Qiqihar Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University, including patients who underwent mechanical ventilation for over 48 hours between April and December 2023. A total of 120 patients were categorized into a VAP group (n = 20) and a non-VAP group (n = 100). This phase aimed to determine independent predictors of VAP development. In a subsequent intervention phase, a convenience sample was used to select 40 mechanically ventilated ICU patients (June-December 2023) as the control group, who received standard nursing care. Another 40 ICU patients (April-September 2024) formed the experimental group and received MDT-based nursing interventions alongside routine care. Among the 120 ventilated patients, VAP was observed in 16.7% (20 patients). The infected group had a significantly elevated APACHE II score (21.4 ± 6.3 vs 18.2 ± 5.0; P < .05), and a higher rate of pathogen isolation. Multivariate analysis identified several independent risk factors for VAP: extended mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.2), use of sedatives (OR = 2.5), and underlying diabetes (OR = 1.9), all with P < .05. Demographics were comparable between the control and experimental groups. VAP incidence dropped from 45% (18/40) in the control group to 25% (10/40) in the MDT group (P < .05). The MDT group also showed reductions in mechanical ventilation time (8.2 ± 2.7 vs 10.5 ± 3.2 days; P < .05), ICU stay (12.5 ± 0.5 vs 15.5 ± 1.1 days; P < .05), and pathogen detection rates (50% vs 60%). No significant differences were found in mortality or transfer rates. The application of MDT nursing interventions significantly decreases the incidence of VAP, reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation, and shortens ICU stays in mechanically ventilated patients, supporting its broader implementation in critical care settings.