• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.14-23
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• 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) bundle. Methods: This was a retrospective study that was carried out between June 2010 and October 2015. In this study, 3,224 intubated patients were included. The VAP bundle which was applied to Group 1 patients (n=470) included head-of-bed elevation to 30 degrees, cuff pressure monitorization, prophylaxis of peptic ulcer, and prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis. The VAP bundle for Group 2 patients (n=1,914) included all the elements of the VAP bundle for Group 1 patients and one additional element which was oral care with 0.12% chlorhexidine. The VAP bundle for Group 3 patients (n=870) added sedative interruption and assessment of readiness to extubate to the VAP bundle for Group 2. Results: The numbers and incidences of VAP were significantly different among the three groups. Moreover, there were significant differences among groups in ICU length of stay and mortality. Conclusion: Three different VAP prevention bundles made different effects in patient outcomes.