Improving Oral Care Practices and Aspiration Risk Assessment to Mitigate Risk of Hospital Acquired Pneumnia

Abstract The aim of Improving Oral Care Practices and Aspiration Risk Assessment to Mitigate Risk of Hospital Acquired Pneumonia is to decrease rates of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) on a 16 bed Transitional Care Unit (TCU) with a mixed skill staff. The theme of the project is risk reduction with improved patient outcomes and cost reduction as reasons for implementation. Fourteen cases of HAP were reported in the last 5 quarters which accounts for 48% of all in-patient acquired infections. Through policy development, standardization of oral care technique, and improved risk factor assessment, the project goal is to decrease rates of HAP by 10% within 6 months of implementation with a cost benefit of $53,695. Education of staff begins with online didactic materials followed by hands-on practice and return demonstration. Evaluation of learning will be assessed through pre- and posttests for nursing assistants and post survey for nurses. Both parties will be required to do return demonstration. Maintenance will be monitored through auditing by a confederate observer and evaluation of quarterly HAP rates. Staff education goals include improved confidence with aspiration risk assessment, enhanced communication and improved oral care technique