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. 2020 Dec 30;16(2):274–282. doi: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2020.12.001

Table 1.

Compliance with VAP prevention guidelines.

Guidelines Never
n (%)		 Sometimes
n (%)		 Always
n (%)
  • 1.

    Hand-washing before any approach to a patient.

 1 (0.4) 4 (1.7) 224 (97.8)
  • 2.

    Use of protective gloves at every approach to a patient.

 2 (0.9) 5 (2.2) 222 (96.9)
  • 3.

    Hand-washing after any approach to a patient.

 0 (0.0) 7 (3.1) 222 (96.9)
  • 4.

    Use of closed-circuit suction systems.

 26 (11.4) 59 (25.8) 144 (62.9)
  • 5.

    Change the closed-circuit suction systems for every new patient (or when clinically indicated).

 24 (10.5) 59 (25.8) 146 (63.8)
  • 6.

    Use sterile gloves when open suction is necessary.

 1 (0.4) 4 (1.7) 224 (97.8)
  • 7.

    Provide regular oral care at least once per shift.

 6 (2.6) 8 (3.5) 215 (93.9)
  • 8.

    Use chlorhexidine solution for oral care.

 19 (8.3) 26 (11.4) 184 (80.3)
  • 9.

    Use the heat and moisture exchanger humidifiers.

 16 (7.0) 31 (13.5) 182 (79.5)
  • 10.

    Change the heat and moisture exchanger humidifiers weekly or when clinically indicated.

 26 (11.4) 66 (28.8) 137 (59.8)
  • 11.

    Change ventilator circuit only when visibly soiled or malfunctioning.

 26 (11.4) 51 (22.3) 152 (66.4)
  • 12.

    Check the endotracheal tube cuff pressure at least once per shift and maintain it at 20–30 cmH2O.

 17 (7.4) 25 (10.9) 187 (81.7)
  • 13.

    Suction of the subglottic secretions through an extra lumen in the endotracheal tubes.

 68 (29.7) 64 (27.9) 97 (42.4)
  • 14.

    Provide scheduled and regular respiratory physiotherapy.

 2 (0.9) 37 (16.2) 190 (83.0)
  • 15.

    Interrupt sedation daily and assess readiness to extubate by daily spontaneous breathing trials.

 4 (1.7) 21 (9.2) 204 (89.1)
  • 16.

    Maintain the patient in a semi-fowler position.

 6 (2.6) 12 (5.2) 211 (92.1)
  • 17.

    Use of kinetic beds.

 43 (18.8) 43 (18.8) 143 (62.4)

Abbreviations: VAP = ventilator associated pneumonia.