Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia in intensive care units: an international online survey.

ABSTRACT:

Background

On average 7% of patients admitted to intensive-care units (ICUs) suffer from a potentially preventable ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Our objective was to survey attitudes and practices of ICUs doctors in the field of VAP prevention.

Methods

A questionnaire was made available online in 6 languages from April, 1st to September 1st, 2012 and disseminated through international and national ICU societies. We investigated reported practices as regards (1) established clinical guidelines for VAP prevention, and (2) measurement of process and outcomes, under the assumption "if you cannot measure it, you cannot improve it"; as well as attitudes towards the implementation of a measurement system. Weighted estimations for Europe were computed based on countries for

SUBMITTER: Lambert ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3623895 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature