Back on the green following radiation treatments

Commitment to Quality

Prevent Respirator Pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAPs) are lung infections that occur in patients who are on a ventilator. St. Anthony’s staff uses simple precautions, such as elevating the head and keeping a patient’s mouth, throat and airway clean, to prevent lung infections in critically ill patients on ventilators.

St. Anthony's also uses recent scientific developments to improve the quality of care for ventilator patients, including:

• glucose control
• state-of-the-art cleansing supplies and equipment
• staff training on how to prevent VAPs
• consistent use of ventilator-weaning procedures

With the knowledge and practice of a special team of Intensivists - physicians specifically assigned to patients in Intensive Care Units - and nurses and staff dedicated only to ICU patients, St. Anthony’s has reduced both infection rates and the length of time patients are on a ventilator or in the ICU.