Keywords

Aspiration, Subglottic secretions, Ventilated-associated pneumonia

 

Authors

  1. Leasure, A. Renee PhD, RN, CCRN, CNS
  2. Stirlen, Joan MPH, BSN, RN
  3. Lu, Shu Hua PhD, RN

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a subset of hospital-acquired pneumonias and is a serious, sometimes fatal, complication in patients who need mechanical ventilation. In addition, pay-for-performance initiative has placed increased emphasis on preventing nosocomial infections including VAP. Facilities may not be reimbursed for costs associated with prevalence infections. This article presents a review and meta-analysis of the prevention of VAP through the aspiration of subglottic secretion.