Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) presents an ongoing challenge for critical care nurses as they employ current evidence-based strategies to decrease the incidence and prevalence of VAP. VAP is responsible for 90% of nosocomial infections in the mechanically ventilated population (Grap, Munro, Elswick, Sessler, & Ward, 2004) and occurs within 48 hours of intubation (Kollef et al., 2006).

            Current research on VAP indicates that the use of bundled strategies can positively impact patient outcomes. VAP bundles are a group of interventions that when implemented together result in better patient outcomes than when implemented individually (Fulbrook & Mooney, 2003). This oral or poster presentation will discuss the results of conducting a review of the literature on the state of the science of VAP. We will give an overview of current bundled strategies and the innovations surrounding implementation of VAP protocols. Further, it will address effective use of the multidisciplinary team for effective implementation of research into practice settings to assist with knowledge transfer and uptake of research in to clinical practice.

References:

Fullbrook, P., & Mooney, S. (2003). Care bundles in critical care: A practical approach            to evidenced-based practice. Nursing in Critical Care,8(6), 249-255.

Grap, M.J., Munro, C., Elswick, R.K., Sessler, C.N. & Ward, K. (2004). Duration of

            action of a single, early oral application of chlorhexadine or roal microbial flora             in mechanically ventilated patients: A pilot study. Heart and Lung: The Journal

            of Acute and Critical Care, 33, 83-91.

Kollef, M.H., Marrow, L.E., Neiderman, M.S., Leeper, K.V., Anzueto, A. Benz-Scott, L.,

            et al. (2006). Clinical characteristics and treatment patterns among patients with

            ventilator-associated pneumonia. Chest, 129(5), 1210-1218.