Authors

1. Halpin, Linda MSN, RN
2. Henry, Linda PhD, RN
3. Szelkowski, Liza PA-C
4. Hunt, Sharon MBA
5. Vourlekis, Jason MD
6. Ad, Niv MD

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is associated with high mortality and morbidity and significantly increases intensive care unit length of stay and costs of care. In a pre- and postintervention study, we found that the majority of patients (63%) had an antecedent condition that necessitated emergent intubation prior to surgery. Efforts should be directed to developing strategies to minimize the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia in emergent intubations, decrease reintubations, and reduce the use of blood products.