The Effectiveness of Respiratory Therapists in Implementing Protocolized Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Bundles

Authors: Faihan M. Alanazi, Mohammed B. Alshahrani, Saja A. Almarhoun, Ahmed A. Alanazi, Nahlah A. Albaalharith, Aishah R. Alanazi, Abdullah G. Alshubaili, Abdulaziz S. Alaws

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13680494

Short DOI: https://doi.org/gt9jb7

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant complication in mechanically ventilated patients, leading to increased morbidity, length of ICU stay, and healthcare costs. This study assesses the impact of enhanced involvement of respiratory therapists in implementing VAP prevention bundles within a tertiary hospital's intensive care unit.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 950 adult patients who were mechanically ventilated for more than 48 hours. The study compared VAP incidence and compliance with prevention protocols before and after enhancing respiratory therapist involvement in VAP bundle implementation.
Results: The intervention led to a 34% reduction in VAP incidence rates (22.4 to 14.7 cases per 1,000 ventilator days). Compliance with VAP bundle components improved significantly, notably in head of bed elevation (80% to 94%), daily sedation interruptions (75% to 89%), and oral care with chlorhexidine (70% to 88%). There were also reductions in the average duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stays.
Conclusion: Enhanced involvement of respiratory therapists in VAP prevention significantly reduces VAP incidence and improves compliance with preventive measures. These findings suggest that respiratory therapists play a crucial role in the effective management of VAP prevention strategies, leading to improved patient outcomes in ICU settings.

Keywords: Ventilator-associated pneumonia, respiratory therapists, VAP prevention, ICU, mechanical ventilation, healthcare outcomes

Paper Id: 231109

Published On: 2016-05-04

Published In: Volume 4, Issue 3, May-June 2016

Cite This: The Effectiveness of Respiratory Therapists in Implementing Protocolized Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Bundles - Faihan M. Alanazi, Mohammed B. Alshahrani, Saja A. Almarhoun, Ahmed A. Alanazi, Nahlah A. Albaalharith, Aishah R. Alanazi, Abdullah G. Alshubaili, Abdulaziz S. Alaws - IJIRMPS Volume 4, Issue 3, May-June 2016. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13680494

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