Authors

  1. Finch Guthrie, Patricia PhD, RN
  2. Rayborn, Shelley MSN, RN, PHN
  3. Boatright, John PhD, RRT
  4. Pearson, Valinda PhD, RN, CRRN
  5. Wieting, Rosemary BSN, RN
  6. Peterson, Randy MSN, RN
  7. Danahy, Molly BSN, RN

Abstract

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is common with mechanical ventilation. VAP bundles have improved outcomes in acute care and long-term acute care hospitals. This article reports on an implementation of a VAP bundle designed for a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The primary goal was to improve oral health, a significant factor for VAP, and improve SNF nurse adherence to the bundle. Improvements in oral health and adherence were demonstrated. Nurses had difficulty with adhering to maintaining the tracheostomy cuff seal.