Reducing rates of ventilator associated pneumonia

Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a term used to describe a complication affecting patients who have been on mechanical ventilation.¹ In general, VAP may be considered 48-hours from commencement of mechanical ventilation.² Roughly 8% to 28% of patients receiving mechanical ventilation are affected by VAP.³ VAP significantly contributes to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.^1,4 This article examines the impact of an intervention involving an Automatic Cuff Pressure Controller and an Automatic Subglottic Secretion Removal Device on VAP rates among mechanically ventilated patients in Adult ICU.

VAP occurs due to the aspiration of bacteria laden secretions into the lower respiratory tract, often facilitated by improper management of the endotracheal tube and accumulation of secretions around the cuff.^1,4 The National Health Service (NHS) England has highlighted the substantial financial burden associated with VAP, estimating the cost per patient between £10,000 and £20,000.⁵ Therefore, effective interventions are imperative for both patient outcomes and economic sustainability in healthcare.

The study involved a comparative analysis between two patient groups: pre-intervention and post-intervention. The pre-intervention group consisted of 78 patients who were mechanically ventilated without the implementation of the new intervention. In contrast, the post-intervention group included 83 patients who received the intervention.