Grant: Knowledge Synthesis Grant

Pneumonia that occurs in patients receiving mechanical ventilation is termed Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). VAP is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. It is associated with increases in intensive care unit stay, hospital stay and prolongation of duration of mechanical ventilation. It usually requires treatment with broad spectrum antibiotic therapy since the microorganisms that cause it can be difficult to treat. VAP is a hospital acquired infection and is in part preventable. When it does occur, prompt and appropriate treatment can reduce its impact on vulnerable critically ill patients. As such, its prevention and appropriate treatment is an important patient safety issue. VAP has been the focus of a large amount of research and the literature base for it is extensive. The large amount of literature on VAP makes it difficult for individual practitioners to apply best evidence to the bedside. There is a need to synthesize VAP knowledge into Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) such that best evidence is readily accessible to practitioners. We propose to develop up to date clinical practice guidelines for VAP. We will partner with national and provincial organizations such that the completed guidelines are widely distributed and implemented.