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Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
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Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP)
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Number of Cases
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Rate
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| Jan 1- Mar 30 -09 |
0
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0
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Apr 09 - Jun 09
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0
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0
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| July - Sept 09 |
1
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3.2
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| Oct - Dec 09 |
0
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0
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| Jan - Mar 10 |
0
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0
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| Apr - June 10 |
0
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0
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|
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| VAP infection rate = total number of VAP cases after 48 hours of mechanical ventilation divided by total number of ventilator days for ICU patients 18 years and older x 1000. |
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is defined as pneumonia (a lung infection) occurring in patients in an intensive care unit (ICU), requiring, external mechanical breathing support (a ventilator) intermittently or continuously, through a breathing tube for more than 48 hours.
Because these patients are relying on an external machine to breath, VAP can develop because their normal coughing, yawning, and deep breath reflexes are suppressed. Furthermore, they may have a suppressed immune system, making them more vulnerable to infection.
VAP is a serious lung infection that is associated with a higher mortality rate. Because patients in an ICU are already quite ill, they have increased risk factors for infection. IF a patient develops VAP, they will have to stay longer in the ICU, and will be ventilated for longer periods of time.
Since VAP is caused by a bacterial infection in the lungs, the bacteria could be contagious if prevention strategies are not implemented. To prevent the spread of pneumonia to other patients, health care providers practice proper hand hygiene techniques, and will discontinue mechanical ventilation as soon as possible when patients are ready to breathe on their own.
Hospitals enter VAP data into the Critical Care Information System (CCIS) daily and will report to the Ministry quarterly (every 3 months).
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance is dedicated to patient safety and providing safe, quality, patient and family centered care.
For more information on Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, visit OHA Website
For more information on Ventilator Associated Pneumonia rates in Ontario hospitals, visit www.ontario.ca/patientsafety
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