A branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has developed a "toolkit" in the hopes of preventing complications from mechanical ventilation devices, particularly ventilation-related pneumonia, the American Hospital Association announced recently.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) created the kit to help intensive care units (ICUs) and other hospital areas by providing solutions from its Comprehensive Unit-based Safety Program (CUSP.) CUSP is a special protocol designed to prevent infections, as well as build safety awareness in ICUs.
The agency said the kit is web-based and includes safety information on bedside care, patient mobility support and protective ventilation practices. It also is intended to help all hospital staff work in unison.
