Keywords

Mechanical ventilation, Oral care, Pulmonary, Ventilator-associated pneumonia

Authors

1. Parsons, Susan PhD, RN
2. Lee, Carla A. PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN
3. Strickert, Debbie MN, APRN
4. Trumpp, Margaret MEd, RRT, AE-C

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review evidence-based research studies specific to oral care in critical care and its relationship to ventilator-associated pneumonia. Twenty articles were analyzed. Results showed a pattern of 4 themes: (1) oral care practices, (2) deviation from practices, (3) interventions, and (4) documentation. Results are varied across the articles reviewed, although some pattern of essential oral care was revealed as crucial to the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia.