Oral Care Intervention in Mechanically Ventilated Adults

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death from hospital-acquired infections. Intubation and mechanical ventilation greatly increase the risk of bacterial ventilator associated pneumonia. Growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria in dental plaque of critically ill patients provides a nidus of infection for microorganisms that have been shown to be responsible for the development of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. Since these organisms are concentrated in dental plaque, removal of organisms from the oral cavity by oral care interventions is a theoretically attractive method to reduce the risk of development of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia. However, evidence-based protocols for oral care of mechanically ventilated patients are not available. Results of the study have the potential to improve nursing care, and to positively affect patient well-being, morbidity, mortality, and health care costs.