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Dear Community Member:

Pneumonia (infection of the lungs) is the most common infection among patients in intensive care units who have a breathing tube and are on breathing machines (ventilators). Developing pneumonia while on a ventilator can increase time on the ventilator and in the intensive care unit. Doctors at Yale University are trying to discover if a special breathing tube that reduces fluid leakage from the throat down into the lungs may reduce the risk of pneumonia. It is not known yet if the special breathing tube works better for preventing pneumonia.

We are conducting a research study that starts when a patient requires the emergency placement of a breathing tube. One of two FDA-cleared, standard breathing tubes, either the special tube or a basic tube, will be used. This kind of research is unique because there is no time to ask the patient or their family for consent to be in the research study. In this situation, federal regulations require researchers to consult with the community. Studies like this are carefully reviewed by researchers and by independent ethics review boards, called IRBs (Institutional Review Boards), to be sure that there aren’t increased risks for the subjects.

We would like your opinion about this study and this kind of research in general. People who do not want to be enrolled in the study can choose to opt out of research studies by calling 1-888-202-5977 or emailing yarn@yale.edu. If you choose to opt out from this study, this will be documented and visible in your medical record.

Completion of this survey will not affect your medical care in any way.