Semester
Summer
Date of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Problem/Project Report
Degree Type
DNP
College
School of Nursing
Department
Anesthesiology
Committee Chair
Becky Smeltzer
Committee Member
Mike Frame
Committee Member
Cara Hawkins
Committee Member
Dana Scudiere
Committee Member
Nicole Scherrer
Committee Member
Gina Carenbauer
Committee Member
Mike Frame
Abstract
Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a concerning complication that can
develop from complications when a patient is placed on a mechanical ventilator. Endotracheal
intubation puts patients at risk for micro aspiration, which can lead to VAP.
Evidence Review: Nine articles were selected for review; after critical appraisal, seven were
kept for further review. Evidence in these articles shows that using evidence-based methods in a
VAP bundle can decrease the length of stay, mechanical ventilator days, and the incidence of
VAP.
Purpose: The purpose of this project was to improve oral care for intubated patients and keep
the incidence of VAP to zero percent. Additionally, this project aimed to reduce the use of oral
chlorhexidine as it has been clinically disproven to benefit patient outcomes.
Methods: This quality improvement project was implemented to show that a VAP bundle
effectively reduces VAP incidence. Implementation was conducted through education of staff in
the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital of the use of a VAP bundle.
Evaluation was conducted by comparing VAP data before and after the project implementation.
Results: Oral chlorhexidine use decreased; however, incorrect documentation of oral
chlorhexidine was observed with nursing. VAP rates remained at zero during implementation
Conclusion: The project demonstrated that using oral care kits instead of oral chlorhexidine did
not increase VAP, length of stay, mechanical ventilation days, or days spent in the hospital.
Findings highlight that continued education is needed to correctly document oral care and
sustained support from leadership to continue the quality improvement.
Recommended Citation
Rice, Taylor Ryan, "Implementation of a Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia bundle to Reduce the Incidence of Ventilator-Associated-Pneumonia and Improve Patient Care" (2026). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 13427.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/13427