Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP): Bundle Prevention Strategies in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

<p>Evidence-based protocols in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in the intensive care setting have been well established in the adult population. Research studies using adult samples in intensive care have addressed the use of bundles, yet only a few have focused on children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). With issues concerning health care cost metrics and VAP being one of the hospital-acquired infections (HAI), preventative strategies must be equally placed for high-risk children and infants who are intubated and mechanically ventilated.</p> <p>This paper aims to explore evidence on the use of VAP bundle in the PICU. A thorough review of literature synthesized through critical appraisal will be presented. Quality improvement endeavors, non-experimental and observational research articles are integrated to come up with the best available evidence. As a result, an EBP project, referred to as the ZAP VAP project, will be instituted in a 9-bed PICU located in a large community hospital. A comprehensive description, explanation, and implications of this EBP project will be highlighted in the rest of this paper. </p>