Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an infection that is known to increase healthcare costs as it is associated with the morbidity of patients. As such the infection has been placed under scrutiny as the approximated incremental amounts related to the hospital-based disease are estimated to be USD$ 40,000. Since the hospital-based condition has been linked with increased clinical and economic burdens; it is well if placed as a quality improvement indicator ( Bouadma, 2015) . Using VAP as a benchmark for examining the excellence of patient care especially within the ICU will assist in ensuring not only the infection but also other hygiene-related infections are avoided.
Patients isolated in the ICU and receiving assisted ventilation are prone to acquiring the bacterial infection that basically, attacks the pulmonary system. Thus, the condition poses a health risk when the bacteria colonize the endotracheal tube and can give a pathway for the infestation of airborne pathogens into directly reaching the lungs ( Metersky, 2015) . The condition can also function as a reservoir where pathogenic microbes can find a place for the formation of a biofilm or accumulation of excretions. The plastic breathing tube prevents several of the body's protective actions from taking place such as coughing. Biologically, coughing helps the patient to clear secretions that can easily be aspirated.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
This study is meant to reduce the unnecessary financial burden that is imposed on the patient and healthcare in general. By preventing the attack by ventilator-associated pneumonia, a lot of money that would have been spent on treatment of the condition can be channeled to other development aspects. Similarly, the project will help in improving healthcare practices in the Intensive Care Unit, and the nurses will be able to not only control the condition but other hygiene-related infections. Lastly, the research will be helpful in the prevention and subsequent reduction of mortality cases related to the disease.
References
Bouadma, L., Sonneville, R., Garrouste-Orgeas, M., Darmon, M., Souweine, B., Voiriot, G., & Argaud, L. (2015). Ventilator-associated events: Prevalence, outcome, and relationship with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Critical care medicine , 43 (9), 1798-1806.
Metersky M. L., Klompas M., Muscedere J., Sweeney D. A., Palme L. B., & El Solh A. A.(2015) Ventilator-associated pneumonia: Present understanding and ongoing debates . Journal of Clinical Infectious Diseases , 63 (5), e61-e111.
