Abstract
Purpose
Several modalities have been shown to be individually effective in reducing the incidence (and hence associated morbidity, mortality, and costs) of ventilator-associated pneumonia, but their implementation into clinical practice is inconsistent. We introduced an intensive care unit protocol and measured its effect on ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Methods
A multidisciplinary team constructed a multifaceted protocol incorporating low risk and low cost strategies, many of which had independent advantages of their own. Some components were already in use, and their importance was emphasized to improve compliance. New strategies included elevation of the head of the bed, transpyloric enteral feeding, and antiseptic mouthwash. The approach to implementation and maintenance included education, monitoring, audits and feedback to encourage compliance with the protocol.
Results
The implementation of this prevention protocol reduced the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia from a baseline of 94 cases per year or 26.7 per 1,000 ventilator days to 51.3 per year or 12.5 per 1,000 ventilator days, i.e., about 50% of the preprotocol rate (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion
Adherence to simple and effective measures can reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. The protocol described was inexpensive and effective, and estimated savings are large. Implementation and maintenance of gains require a multidisciplinary approach, with buy-in from all team members, and ongoing monitoring, education, and feedback to the participants.
Résumé
Objectif
Certaines modalités sont isolément efficaces pour réduire l’incidence (et de là, la morbidité, la mortalité et les coûts associés) de la pneumonie associée à la ventilation mécanique, mais leur application en pratique clinique est irrégulière. Un protocole a été adopté à l’unité des soins intensifs et son effet mesuré sur la pneumonie associée à la ventilation mécanique.
Méthode
Une équipe multidisciplinaire a élaboré un protocole à plusieurs facettes qui comprenait des stratégies peu coûteuses et à faible risque, dont beaucoup ont en elles-mêmes des avantages indépendants. Quelques composantes étaient déjà utilisées et leur importance a été accentuée pour améliorer la collaboration. Les nouvelles stratégies incluaient l’élévation de la tête du lit, l’alimentation entérale transpylorique et un bain de bouche antiseptique. La formation, le monitorage, les audits et la rétroaction ont encouragé l’application et le maintien du protocole.
Résultats
L’application du protocole de prévention a réduit l’incidence de pneumonie associée à la ventilation mécanique de 94 cas par année ou de 26,7 par 1 000 jours de ventilation à 51,3 par année ou 12,5 par 1 000 jours de ventilation, ou environ 50 % du taux préprotocole (P < 0,0001).
Conclusion
Des mesures simples et efficaces peuvent réduire l’incidence de pneumonie associée à la ventilation mécanique. Le protocole décrit est peu coûteux, mais efficace, et présente d’importantes économies estimées. L’application et le maintien des gains exigent une approche multidisciplinaire et une adhésion collective de tous les membres de l’équipe, une formation et un monitorage permanents et des réactions aux participants.
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Baxter, A.D., Allan, J., Bedard, J. et al. Adherence to simple and effective measures reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Can J Anesth 52, 535–541 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03016535
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03016535