Evaluation of a bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in an intensive care unit

Abstract

We aimed at evaluating compliance with a bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia in an Intensive Care Unit. It is a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study, conducted in a public hospital in the state of Santa Catarina. Data were collected in July and August of 2012. The sample consisted of 1,146 observations of the four elements that compose the bundle (head of bed elevation between 30-45°; endotracheal suctioning; cuff pressure between 20-30 cmH2O; and oral care with 0.12% chlorhexidine). Expected compliance was equal to a positivity rate ≥80%. Data analysis revealed overall bundle compliance of 794 (69.2%). When analyzed separately, two practices presented expected compliance (84.7%): oral care and suctioning. Head of bed elevation had the lowest compliance (55.5%), followed by cuff pressure (61.8%). We observed the need for strategies that promote the quality of all the elements that compose the bundle in order for its use to be effective.