Nursing times
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Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common hospital-acquired infection that is associated with higher mortality rates, increased healthcare costs and longer hospitalisations. One intervention that has recently been used to reduce the prevalence of VAP is a new type of endotracheal tube impregnated with silver sulfadiazine. ⋯ More research is needed to assess whether the benefits of silver-coated endotracheal tubes, coupled with additional VAP prevention strategies, outweigh the costs incurred.