Some very sick patients, who cannot breathe on their own, will be ventilated to support their breathing. Mechanical ventilation is associated with an increased risk of infection referred to as ventilator associated with pneumonia. Such an infection may increase hospitalization and cost of care or may lead to complications.
VAP Rates
Definition & why we measure
What are we doing to improve?
To minimize the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia, we ventilate patients only when required and for the shortest time possible. Where ventilation is required, our multidisciplinary teams apply evidence-based methods and procedures to initiate, management, and wean off patients from mechanical ventilation. Standard practices are embedded in the care of each patient on a ventilator, and standard kits are used to effectively prevent infections.
Against a benchmark of 7.9, (El-Saed, 2013) Gertrude’s children’s hospital has performed consistently well over time as indicated in the chart below. In this measure, the lower the number the better the performance.
