Comparing Surveillance Approaches: Ventilator-Associated Events vs. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

The definition for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC NHSN) is complex. It combines both radiologic and clinical data elements and requires subjective interpretation, which can introduce interobserver variability. In 2013, a new surveillance concept was proposed — ventilator-associated events (VAEs). These events are defined by objective changes in ventilator positive end expiratory pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen settings. Included in this concept are infection-related ventilator-associated conditions (iVACs), identified by objective signs of infection occurring within 48 hours of defined changes in ventilator settings. Limited…