<qa>  What is the most effective strategy for improving the outlook for those with ARDS?ARDS affects approximately 150,000 people in the United States each year. Despite twenty years of research into the mechanisms that cause this syndrome and numerous developments in the technology of mechanical ventilation, the mortality rate has remained greater than 50 percent. In addition to the tragic loss of human life, this condition poses a cost to society because these patients spend an average of two weeks in intensive care units and require multiple high tech procedures. Because of the overwhelming nature of the lung injury once it is established, prevention appears to be the most effective strategy for improving the outlook for those with ARDS. 