Vap

[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, BSN, PhD]

We use the IHI VAP bundle.

See here for details: http://www.ihi.org/IHI/Topics/CriticalCare/IntensiveCare/ImprovementStories/ReducingVentilatorAssociatedPneumoniaOwensboro.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, RN]

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

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

VAP=ventilator associated pneumonia

[WSH-RN]

Baptized_by_Fire,

Thanks for the info and nice tattoos!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

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, ASN, RN]

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.

[deeDawntee, RN]

My hospital regularly has no-VAP parties!! We haven't had any in the 3+ years that I have either worked in the ICU or worked in the step down from CTICU. Pretty amazing. Lots of oral care. Get those secretions at the back of the throat (tests the gag reflex as well)!

[longroadahead]

Just curious....

But do those of you who have seen a decrease or no incidence in VAP use the Hi-Lo ETT or an ETT with a suction just above the ETT cuff?