Application of CDC Standards for Prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) by Paramedical Personnel working in Tertiary Care Hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Objectives Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the infectious complications in those patients who receive mechanical ventilator in critical care unit. About 47% patients develop pneumonia due to prolong stay in critical care units and develop multiple infections. The objective of this study is to observe the extent to which paramedical personnel apply CDC guideline for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia.

Methodology: 29 itemed questionnaires were distributed among two hundred nurses of adult critical care areas in different tertiary care hospitals in Karachi.

Results: Two hundred nurses answered the questionnaire completely regarding their compliance with the CDC guidelines. Almost 64% nurses were not aware of the rate of ventilator associated pneumonia in their unit. Out of the 200 participants, 79% of nurses were compliant with wearing gloves, whereas 47.5% reported hand washing, 37.5% reported performing subglottic suctioning and 16 % reported that they always elevate head end of the bed. Only 24% do oral sectioning 2 hourly, 22.5% do oral swabbing 2 hourly and 34.5% do oral brushing. Most of them 64% prefer mouthwash for oral cleaning.  With regards to yankauers device most of them were not properly using cleaning and storing it.

Conclusion:  CDC guideline for the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia are not consistently and uniformly implemented and followed by paramedical staff.

Key words: Pneumonia; Ventilator-Associated; Standards; Paramedical Personnel