Improving Pulmonary Outcomes at Virginia Commonwealth University

Christi Adams, RN, MSN, CCRN, Nurse Clinician, Surgical Trauma ICU, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, shares their quest to obliterate ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Utilizing the FADE (Focus, Analyze, Develop, Execute) process, the framework of the IHI VAP bundle, a culture change which integrates providers, and the development of an effective program which looks beyond the bundle to reduce overall pulmonary complications in high-risk patients. An empowering nurse driven protocol to evaluate risk and outline prevention interventions as well as technologies including a high frequency chest wall oscillation system and continuous lateral rotation therapy beds are described and were utilized to assist the caregivers in producing these clinical outcomes.