Addressing HAP and VAP Risk Factors
Maintaining oral hygiene has been proven to help reduce healthcare-acquired pneumonias (HAPs), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and aspiration pneumonia.1,2,3 VAP is the most frequent infection occurring in patients after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).4
In a large European observational study, almost 25% of patients developed an ICU-acquired infection, and the respiratory site accounted for 80% of these infections. VAP can be associated with increased duration of ventilation, ICU and hospital length of stay, and significantly increased costs.5 Prevention of VAP is possibly one of the most cost-effective interventions currently attainable in the ICU.6
The information in this section, which includes clinical evidence and education, will help you build and implement a comprehensive and evidence-based oral hygiene program for your facility.