Development of an RN Champion Model to Improve the Outcomes of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia Patients in the Intensive Care Unit

J Nurs Adm. 2018 Feb;48(2):79-84. doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000000578.

Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections are costly. Methods to prevent infections must be effective and provide a return on investment to be sustainable. A funded project supported the design and implementation of a unique quality and safety model, using unit-based quality and safety RN champions. The goal was to create and sustain a hospital-wide safety culture focused on preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by adopting the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's VAP bundle. The program began with a pilot in 7 ICUs. Using the RN champion model resulted in the reduction of the incidence of VAP, cost avoidance, and decreased length of stay. Six years later, each adult ICU reached "zero zone."

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Critical Care / standards*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia / therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / etiology*
  • Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / prevention & control*
  • Quality of Health Care / standards*
  • Ventilators, Mechanical / adverse effects*