The incidence and characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a regional nontertiary Australian intensive care unit: A retrospective clinical audit study.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication of mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. The incidence, patient characteristics, and outcomes have not been described in a regional Australian setting.

Objectives: Τhe primary objective was to establish the incidence of VAP in a regional intensive care unit using predetermined diagnostic criteria.

Incidence and characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia in a regional non-tertiary Australian intensive care unit: protocol for a retrospective clinical audit study.

Introduction: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a medical complication associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Most studies looking at VAP originate from major, tertiary intensive care units (ICUs). Our understanding of VAP in regional hospitals is limited.