Hospital practice (1995)
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Hospital practice (1995) · Feb 2012
Strategies for prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: bundles, devices, and medications for improved patient outcomes.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with significant patient morbidity, mortality, and increased health care costs. In the current economic climate, it is crucial to implement cost-effective prevention strategies that have proven efficacy. ⋯ Routine use of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement ventilator care bundle is widespread, and has been clearly demonstrated to be an effective method for reducing the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. In this article, we examine specific aspects of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement bundle, better-designed endotracheal tubes, use of antibiotics and probiotics, and treatment of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia.