Comparison Study between Using Disposable and Non-Disposable Ventilator Circuits on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Health Care Costs at a Respiratory Care Unit, Siriraj Hospital

Abstract

Objective: This research aimed to compare the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator circuit costs among patients using disposable ventilator circuits and patients using non-disposable ventilator circuits.
 Materials and Methods: Observational research was performed consisting of the following: A retrospective chart review of a group of patients who used non-disposable circuits (n=193) and a prospective cohort study of a group of patients using disposable circuits (n=166). The sample was purposively selected based on the following inclusion criteria: patients aged 18 years old and over who were admitted to the Respiratory Care Unit, Siriraj Hospital and ventilated >48 h.
 Results: VAP incidence in the group non-disposable circuits was 10.41/1,000 ventilator days (n=27, 13.8%) and 10.82 /1,000 ventilator days (n=24, 14.4%) in the group disposable circuits (p=0.871). According to the data analysis using the U-control chart, no statistically significant differences were found. The unit cost of the non-disposable circuit was lower than that of the disposable circuit (THB 295.94), while the work unit personnel satisfaction toward working with disposable circuits was at a good level (Mean=3.83) and medium level (Mean=3.12) in non-disposable circuits (p=0.002).
 Conclusion: The type of ventilator circuits had no effects on VAP rate. The unit cost of non-disposable circuits was lower than that of disposable circuits, while the work unit personnel had a higher satisfaction working with disposable circuits than non-disposable circuits.