Since Medicare and the National Healthcare Safety Network started mandating prevention policies and monitoring device-associated infections (i.e. catheter-associated UTIs, central-line associated blood stream infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia), the incidences of these infections have declined tremendously. In fact, studies show that these device-associated infections only account for approximately 25% of hospital-associated infections. Today, one of the most common hospital-associated infections is hospital-acquired "nonventilator" pneumonia and can be prevented by basic nursing and oral care!
Poor oral health and hygiene are increasingly recognized as major risk factors for pneumonia particularly among the elderly. Studies provided by the American Association for Dental Research also show that wearing dentures during sleep is associated not only with oral inflammatory and microbial burden but to the incidence of pneumonia as well. Sleeping in dentures actually doubles the risk of pneumonia in the elderly.
The hospital presents another myriad of problems regardless of age. A patient’s natural immune defense is weakened. The ability to maintain basic hygiene often declines. Additionally, changes in oral bacterial colonization occur within 48 hours of admission. Microaspiration combined with decreased mobility and changes in the oral flora create a perfect environment for microbes to flourish in the respiratory tract.
Hospital-acquired "nonventilator" pneumonia has the same mortality as ventilator-associated pneumonia. The costs are higher; it leads to prolonged hospital stays and creates a greater risk for readmission within 30 days. Evidenced-based nursing and oral care can make a difference!
Let one of our nurses at Aguirre Legal Nurse Consulting help you define the applicable standard of care and provide authoritative research on clinical practice guidelines for your next medical malpractice case! Call (443) 598-2562 or email AguirreLegalNurseConsulting@gmail.com
Hospital-acquired "nonventilator" pneumonia has the same mortality as ventilator-associated pneumonia. The costs are higher; it leads to prolonged hospital stays and creates a greater risk for readmission within 30 days. Evidenced-based nursing and oral care can make a difference!
Let one of our nurses at Aguirre Legal Nurse Consulting help you define the applicable standard of care and provide authoritative research on clinical practice guidelines for your next medical malpractice case! Call (443) 598-2562 or email AguirreLegalNurseConsulting@gmail.com
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