2025, Vol. 8, Issue 2, Part A

Background: Ventilator associated pneumonia is the most common nosocomial infection in patients being treated with mechanical ventilation. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most frequent ICU-acquired infections and a leading cause of death among patients in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Method: This study is a systematic literature review. The databases searched included Web of Sscience, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health. Assigned nurses were observed while performing oral care.

Results: This study has found that, registered nurses were performing oral hygiene with minimal skillset. The intervention developed has helped nurses caring for patients on ventilator acquire better understanding & skill.

Conclusion: Good oral care reduces VAP in the ICU. A recommendation for practice is the development and implementation of an oral health protocol. Guidelines can then be developed to inform health care professionals of the best oral care product and application technique to use in different oral health circumstances in the prevention of VAP. Implementing an oral care protocol and nurse education program in the ICU is essential if VAP rates are to be reduced.