Oral care education in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia: quality patient outcomes in the intensive care unit.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in mechanically ventilated patients in the United States. Routine oral care has been shown to have a direct effect on reducing VAP rates.

Methods: Intensive care unit registered nurses attended educational sessions about oral care and also used online education modules. Nursing care involving 180 intubated patients was observed, and changes were noted in practices related to oral care.

Results: After the education intervention, the frequency of oral care increased significantly (p = .001) to tooth brushing every 4 hours and swabbing every 12 hours with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution. The evidence-based practice education intervention decreased VAP rates by 62.5%.

Conclusions: Significant reductions in VAP rates may be achieved through improved education and implementation of oral care protocols with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution.