0502221 Effectiveness of 2% chlorhexidine in minimising ventilator-associated pneumonia in ventilated patients: evidence-based practice

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Abstract

^{Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an intensive care acquired iatrogenic pulmonary infection that affects the pulmonary parenchyma of patients who are mechanically ventilated. Worldwide, incidence of VAP can increase the mortality rate and delay therapy progress in ventilated patients; therefore, it is necessary to identify the best practice for reducing incidence of VAP. Oral hygiene is one of the basic procedures for minimising respiratory infection and reducing VAP, with 2% chlorhexidine being an oral care solution that is used to protect and enhance the mouth environment. Also, it can be used to reduce the colonisation of organisms that lead to infection.}

^{This paper aims to determine whether the usage of mouthwash with 2% chlorhexidine is more effective than 0.9% normal saline in reducing the incidence of VAP.}

^{Methodology: A systematic search for a relationship between VAP and chlorhexidine was undertaken through the MEDLINE and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) databases. Result: The results showed that 2% chlorhexidine had favourable results in reducing the incidence of VAP and diminishing the colonisation of pathogens in the mouth cavity and in the airway. Conclusion: VAP is one of the respiratory infectious diseases that occur in mechanically ventilated patients. The pathogens that cause VAP vary, depending on the hospital setting and patient group. Oral health care (OHC) is a principal step that can help to reduce mortality among ventilated patients and improve the performance of the health service. The use of 2% chlorhexidine as a mouthwash agent demonstrates an appropriate effect in reducing pathogen colonisation and reducing VAP incidence.}