In a recent national survey, an estimated 722,000 hospital acquired infections (HAI) occur in the hospitals annually. Approximately 75,000 deaths occur yearly with one out of every 25 patients developing an HAI during hospitalization. Tied for the number one infection is health care acquired pneumonia. If you develop an HAI, your risk for readmission increases to 27 days versus 59 days. We can make a difference in preventing the invasion or halting the spread of bugs by implementing simple patient care interventions such as oral care, nutrition and mobility. This session begins with exploring why the hospitalized patient is at risk for pneumonia. An in-depth look at basic care practices that impact outcomes associated with reducing health care acquired pneumonia are outlined. Knowledge is power and an ounce of prevention is worth more than treating the complications of a health care acquired pneumonia.
Presenters: Mary Brennan, DNP, AGACNP-BC, ANP, RN; Kathleen Vollman, MSN, RN, CCNS,
