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. 2021 Oct;56(4):905-915.
doi: 10.1111/nuf.12621. Epub 2021 Jun 6.

Prevention of VAP: Endless evolving evidences-systematic literature review

Chandrani Isac  1 , Hema Roslin Samson  1 , Anitha John  1
Affiliations

Prevention of VAP: Endless evolving evidences-systematic literature review

Chandrani Isac et al. Nurs Forum. 2021 Oct.

Abstract

Introduction: Prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is the focus in critical care units. Immunocompromised patients, older adults, and postoperative patients are at greater risk for VAP. With the dynamic changes in the empirical world, updated evidence must be used to guide the standard of practice. This literature review assimilates the recent evidence for VAP prevention.

Method: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis framework guided the selection of the included research articles. Medline, EBSCO host, CINAHL, UpToDate and Google Scholar databases explored, for relevant publications between 2010 and 2020. The quality of evidence for the 14 studies selected were rated using the hierarchy of quantitative research designs.

Results: Evidence-based VAP preventive strategies are prevention of aspiration, minimizing ventilator days, reducing the pathogen load, safe endotracheal suction practices, and pharmaceutical preventive measures. The mandates for VAP preventive measures among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients is included.

Conclusion: Though some of these themes identify with the past, the nuances in their implementation are highlights of this review. The review reiterates the need to revisit ambiguous practices implemented for VAP prevention. Adherence to evidence-based practices, by education, training, and reduction of workload is the key to VAP prevention.

Keywords: critical care unit; evidence-based practices; mechanical ventilation; ventilator associated pneumonia.

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References

REFERENCES

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