2206 - A Collaborative Approach to Reducing Non-ventilator Acquired Pneumonia

Session

Description: Non-ventilator healthcare acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is associated with increased mortality, length of stay, sepsis, and cost. A review of claims data at a community hospital demonstrated an increased incidence of NV-HAP over a 3-year period resulting in a potential 13 million dollar expenditure. A team comprised of representatives from nursing, infection prevention, medicine, a dental hygienist from local public health, a community dentist and a nursing student met to review current practices and discuss ways to improve oral care practices in the healthcare setting. During initial data collection, patients were found lacking appropriate oral care supplies. The need for further education on the importance of oral care among nursing staff and organizational leaders was recognized.

The goals of the project were to increase knowledge of NV-HAP, implement preventive measures and develop an evidence based oral care protocol. Partial funding for the implementation of this project was obtained through a grant from a state foundation.

Implementation strategies included conducting a NV-HAP knowledge and oral care perception pre- and post-assessment survey, providing NV-HAP education to staff and leaders, and offering hands-on oral care competency education for nursing and support staff. A main objective was standardizing and improving oral care products and increasing access to the products. Educational opportunities included posters, presentations, and recognition events for oral care champions.

Oral care team members collected compliance data through observational rounds. Data collected during rounds included compliance with oral care practices and access to oral care products. Rounding allowed us to identify gaps in practice and engage staff in improvement efforts.

During this session, participants will learn how a community hospital collaborated with local public health to implement an evidenced based oral care program in an inpatient setting. The information presented can be used to implement a similar program in other healthcare settings.