Adherence to simple and effective measures reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Purpose: Several modalities have been shown to be individually effective in reducing the incidence (and hence associated morbidity, mortality, and costs) of ventilator-associated pneumonia, but their implementation into clinical practice is inconsistent. We introduced an intensive care unit protocol and measured its effect on ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Methods: A multidisciplinary team constructed a multifaceted protocol incorporating low risk and low cost strategies, many of which had independent advantages of their own.