Bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia: A collective construction

Abstract

This article reports on a qualitative convergent care research, which was aimed at the collective construction of a bundle to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia by nursing and physiotherapy profession nals at the intensive care unit of a public teachinghospital in Santa Catarina. The data collection occurred from May to December 2011 and included individual interviews and discussion groups, with the participation of 25 and 14 professionals, respectively. For the data analysis, Mors e and Field's reference framework was adopted. The construction of the bundle was guided by the evidence-based practice criteria and consists of four preventive care acts: oral hygiene with 0.12% chlorhexidine; headboard elevated (30-45o); endotracheal cuff pressure between 20-30 cmH2O; and care with the aspiration of tracheal secretions. The implementation of these recommendations can support healthcare practice, contributing to reduce ventilator-associated pneumonia rates.