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VAP Protocol

The use of respiratory ventilators in health care settings can make patients more susceptible to contracting respiratory infections or pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control issued protocol guidelines in 2003 to help health care facilities deal with ventilator associated pneumonia.

  1. The Problem

    • The American Journal of Critical Care reports that ventilator associated pneumonia accounts for 47 percent of the infections of patients in intensive care units. Changes in patient care and basic safety and sanitation practices recommended by the CDC can reduce the risk of infection.

    Hand Hygiene

    • Improved hand washing practices by health care workers can reduce VAP.

      A leading cause of infection in health care settings is the lack of proper hygiene practices by health care professionals. The CDC VAP protocol guidelines recommend improved hand hygiene practices by health care workers including alcohol based antiseptic solutions. Changing disposable gloves and washing the hands before putting on another pair can also lower the risk of VAP.

    Oral Cleansing

    • Bacteria in the mouth can cause intubated patients to get infections or pneumonia. Establishing regular oral cleansing and disinfection of patients receiving respiratory ventilation reduces the risk of infection.

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