Activity Summary
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated tracheitis (VAT) are common complications of mechanical ventilation, but VAT prevention is often overlooked to focus on VAP. Our CSI team created an evidence-based VAT prevention bundle using the mnemonic COMBAT VAT ― Change equipment, Oral care, Maintain closed circuit, Bed elevation And Thorough hand hygiene. Six months post-implementation of the COMBAT VAT bundle, the CICU had achieved a 37% decrease in VATs and a 14% decrease in CLABSIs.
Objectives
- Discuss key concepts of a direct care nurse unit change project
- Apply tools and methods shared in their own unit
Continuing Education Disclosure Statement
Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPs) are recognized by the AACN Certification Corporation, our credentialing arm, to encompass a wide spectrum of continuing education activities performed by nurses in high acuity and critical care and fulfill educational requirements for certification. Synergy CERP is a program exclusive to AACN for nurses wishing to recertify through AACN.
State boards of nursing and other certification organizations may recognize CERPs as meeting CE Contact Hour requirements. We recommend consulting with the state board or credentialing organization before submitting CERPs to fulfill CEContact Hour requirements.