[WSH-RN]

I would like to know how you guys are handling VAP in your units? What is your pro-active approach to VAP. Do you have many/any occurrences?

Thanks!!

WSH

[BBFRN]

We use the IHI VAP bundle.

See here for details: http://www.ihi.org/IHI/Topics/Critic...aOwensboro.htm

By using this bundle, our hospitals have seen a >90% decrease in VAP over an 18 month period. It's a very nurse-friendly approach to the problem.

[rn/writer]

For the uninitiated among us (me included), what is VAP?

[sirI]

VAP=ventilator associated pneumonia

[WSH-RN]

Baptized_by_Fire,

Thanks for the info and nice tattoos!

[BBFRN]

WSH,

No problem!

[meandragonbrett]

With agresssive use of the ventilator bundle, we have completely eliminated VAP from our unit. We've not had a case of VAP in 21 months.

[Celia M]

We use the IHI Ventilator Bundle, no VAP since we started.
Celia

[I2AMARN]

I work in a CCU/ICU department and we used to use the bundles but it was thought this was too much of an expense. So now we are using a modified bundle and chlorhexadine (Peridex) mixed with mouth moisturizer. I am just curious if any other facilites are using anything like this and if so how often....Thanks

[Medwynn]

Our unit institutes the bundle.. I haven't seen any cases of VAP since i've started on CIC. Some of use strive to do q2 oral care with the standard chlorhex BID.