Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

The most common nosocomial (hospital acquired) infection is Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP). VAP increases morbidity and mortality rates. 8-28% of critical care patients develop VAP. VAP also increases the length of a hospital stay and adds $20,000-40,000 to the cost. Insurance companies will not cover this cost. The purpose of this study is to determine the best method to reduce the occurrence of VAP