Abstract
Objective To assess the efficacy of eight nursing care interventions in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Method We performed a search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane and Cuiden databases for articles published from 1990 to 2005. We included randomized clinical trials in adults undergoing mechanical ventilation in intensive care units that provided data on the incidence of VAP when the following nursing interventions were applied: oral rinse with chlorhexidine 0.12%; subglottic secretion aspiration; semirecumbent patient positioning; ventilator circuit changes; heat and moisture filter changes; body position changes (rotational therapy); closed aspiration system; and percussion and vibration. Results and conclusions Twenty articles meeting all the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The VAP-preventive interventions supported by the strongest evidence were: oral rinse with chlorhexidine 0.12%, subglottic secretion aspiration, semirecumbent patient positioning, avoidance of routine circuit ventilation changes, and changing the heat and moisture filter every 48 hours. Body position changes (rotational therapy) may be useful in patients who tolerate it. There is no evidence to support the closed aspiration system, percussion and vibration as preventive measures against VAP. The results show the importance of nursing care in the prevention of VAP.
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