Date of Conferral
2016
Degree
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Robert McWhirt
Abstract
One of the most common methods used by healthcare professionals in the ventilator unit to reduce morbidity and mortality due to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a group of best practices known as the ventilator bundle. However, evidence from the literature shows that all its components must be in compliance if the bundle is to be effective. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to investigate the level of compliance with the different components of the ventilator bundle protocol at the study site's nursing home and rehabilitation center, as well as to improve compliance with the bundle protocol at the site. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 nurses from the site on their knowledge of VAP and the ventilator bundle. Those narratives were analyzed using grounded theory analysis, with the data demonstrating poor understanding of and compliance with the ventilator bundle. Posters were then mounted throughout the facility on the importance of complying fully with the bundle, using information gleaned from the interview analysis. Evidence from this project could yield a quality improvement model for long-term-care facilities and ventilator units in particular. The goal was to improve nursing staff's knowledge about VAP and the ventilator bundle, reduce VAP morbidity and mortality, and ensure that mechanically ventilated patients receive the best quality of care.
Recommended Citation
Mercene, Tedgardo Pacal, "Improving Quality of Care for Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Long Term Care Through Full Compliance with the Ventilator Bundle Protocol" (2016). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 2853.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/2853
