ABSTRACT
Aims and objectives: To determine the effectiveness of an oral health care program for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
Background: Research has shown a significant correlation between oral bacteria and VAP, indicating that an oral health care program plays a very important role in VAP prevention.
Design and methods: A quasi-experimental study was used and conducted in the intensive care unit in a medical centre. A total of 199 mechanically ventilated patients were enrolled and divided into two groups: the experimental group (n=99) and control group (n=100). The experimental group was cared for using an evidence-based oral health care program, and the control group was cared for using routine nursing care procedures. Each group received the assigned treatment for four consecutive days.