Practice Improvement for Standardized Evaluation and Management of Acute Tracheitis in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Background Hospital-acquired infections contribute to morbidity and mortality while increasing healthcare resource utilization. While certain ventilator-associated infections are well defined, there is no consensus definition for ventilator-associated tracheitis and limited evidence to guide tracheal aspirate sampling and antibiotic treatment. Local Problem Evaluation of Boston Children’s Hospital Medicine Intensive Care Unit (BCH MICU) practice identified tracheal aspirate culture sampling occurred more frequently than recommended and antibiotic treatment exceeded suggested duration. This practice increases antibiotic exposure with associated risks of bacterial resistance, side effects, and increased costs. The project objective was to improve and standardize acute tracheitis evaluation and management with the intent to accomplish the …