A multidisciplinary approach to reducing ventilator-associated events in a busy urban hospital

Strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, ventilator-associated events, and nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia in acute-care hospitals: 2022 Update

“…Multidisciplinary teams set goals, define each step in the implementation process, and monitor progress in reaching goals. 79,83,234,[339][340][341] Programs developed by team consensus are more effective and increase guideline adherence. 234,339,342 Multidisciplinary teams include representatives from all disciplines that care for ventilated patients, including, at a minimum, unit directors, physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists.…”

“…Other partners that can strengthen the team include infection preventionists, pharmacists, nutritionists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, family members, and patient advocates. 77,83,325,[343][344][345][346][347] Involve local champions 1. Identify local champions, including formal (eg, medical director, nursing director, charge nurses, director of respiratory therapy) and informal leaders (eg, engaged frontline staff).…”

“…Standardization helps establish new care processes as "normal behaviors" for staff. 77,79,81,83,320,347,349,353,358 2. Interventions to improve adherence with best practices in the ICU that include protocols with or without education are associated with the greatest improvements in processes of critical care.…”

“…Measure performance using frequent formal and informal audits of clinical practice. 77,81,83,321,327,363,379 2. Measuring process and outcome measures enhances awareness, establishes expectations, creates urgency, and rewards changes in behavior.…”

“…17,19,22,58,60,61 Use these analyses to select and refine prevention strategies that address the most frequent and preventable causes of VAEs in the specific unit of interest. 83,351 Provide feedback to staff 1. Provide regular feedback on process and/or outcome data to staff.…”