Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) causes excess morbidity and mortality and adds thousands of dollars to the care of the patient. Respiratory therapists have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in preventing VAP as members or even leaders of the VAP team. This online course from the AARC is aimed at enhancing knowledge of proven strategies to minimize the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
**Please note that all programs require the participant to view the entire program prior to taking the final quiz and obtaining a course certificate.**
- Discuss the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and prevention of VAP
- Review the national imperative to reduce/prevent all healthcare associated infections (HAI)
- Review the core elements of prominent national patient safety initiatives to prevent HAIs, specifically VAP
- Discuss essential elements required for launching and sustaining an effective VAP prevention program
- Identify the issues in developing and maintaining a viable VAP prevention program