Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

How is the Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) rate calculated? 

The Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) rate is calculated as follows:  

Total # of ICU cases of  VAP after 48 hours of mechanical ventilation days x1000
Total # of ventilator days for ICU patients 18 years and older  

Note: Only hospitals with Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are required to report their quarterly VAP rate and number of cases.   

Frequently Asked Questions  What is Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP)?

VAP is defined as pneumonia (a serious lung infection) that can occur in patients (specifically ICU patients) who need external mechanical breathing support (a ventilator), intermittently or continuously, through a breathing tube for more than 48 hours.  

VAP can develop in patients for many reasons. Because they are relying on an external machine to breath, their normal coughing, yawning, and deep breath reflexes are suppressed. Furthermore, they may have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to infection.  ICU teams have many ways to try to assist patients with these normal breathing reflexes, but despite this, patients are still at risk for developing pneumonia. 

What can patients do to help reduce their chances of infection?

Patients should always follow instructions given by your healthcare team. Frequent hand cleaning is a good way to prevent the spread of infection.  

What is Markham Stouffville Hospital doing to improve patient safety?

Markham Stouffville Hospital has implemented the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Just Clean Your Hands hand hygiene initiative. We are working with employees, visitors and patients to minimize hospital-acquired infections through:

·         Hand cleaning initiatives
·         Environmental cleaning
·         Sterilization of equipment
·         Education
·         Additional isolation precautions 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mary-Lou James
Director, Patient Relations
905-472-7095