† Alternative diagnostic criteria: ≥1 of parameters 1.2 and ≥1 of parameters 3.4. VAP may be diagnosed by a CPIS ≥6 [28,29]. ‡ Applicable for VAP only. BAL: Bronchoalveolar lavage ...

VAP is a severe lung infection caused by hospital-acquired germs in mechanically ventilated patients, with an estimated mortality rate of 10-13%.

The purpose of this PI project was to (a) define oral care policies at Summa Health System and (b) compare rates of VAP in patients on ventilators whose teeth were brushed three times a day (i.e ...