Healthcare-associated respiratory tract infection.

Respiratory tract infections have been identified as the most common healthcare-associated infection in acute hospitals. Patients most at risk are those who are critically ill, in particular patients who are mechanically ventilated. Ventilator-associated pneumonia can have serious consequences for patients, increasing morbidity and mortality rates duration of ventilation and length of stay in intensive care. This article focuses on the prevention of healthcare-associated respiratory tract infections, and discusses strategies that staff can implement to minimise the risk of infection.