VAP Getting Started Kit - Safer Healthcare Now!

Safer Healthcare Now! Prevent Ventilator Associated Pneumonia Getting Started Kit
Summary of Revisions from Previous Versions of
the Getting Started Kit
1. The case for preventing ventilator associated pneumonia
2. The definition of VAP was clarified
3. Adult VAP Bundle: has gone from 4 to 5 elements
Specific Revisions:
a. The recommendation for HOB elevation has been reworded to “we recommend that
the head of the bed be elevated to 45°. When this is not possible, attempts to raise
the head of the bed at least > 30° should be considered,
b. The recommendation for daily evaluation of readiness for extubation has been revised
to reflect new evidence.
c. The recommendation for endotracheal tubes with subglottic secretion drainage has
been revised to reflect new evidence
d. The recommendation for oral tubes has been removed from the bundle and replaced
with “Initiate safe enteral nutrition within 24-48h of ICU admission”
e. The recommendation for oral decontamination with Chlorhexidine has been upgraded
as a VAP Bundle element and revised to include general recommendations for oral
care.
4. Additional revisions to reflect new evidence were made for the following.
a. Hand hygiene
b. VTE prophylaxis
c. The promotion of patient mobility and autonomy.
The Pediatric section was not revised in this version, as there was no notable evidence to
modify current VAP prevention practices.
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