Ventilator-associated pneumonia and suction: a review of the literature

AIM: to identify the most effective suctioning technique for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia. BACKGROUND: ventilator-associated pneumonia is an important hospital-acquired infection associated with increased mortality and morbidity. METHOD: a rapid review included an electronic database search of articles published between January 2009 and March 2016. The quality of the seven included studies was appraised and data were subjected to tabular and narrative syntheses. RESULTS: closed suction systems have no clear advantage over open suction, but may better prevent late-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia. Subglottic secretion drainage reduces ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence. CONCLUSION: open versus closed suction combined with subglottic secretion drainage requires ongoing research. Alongside this, policy guidance, education, behavioural and managerial strategies must be implemented.