Researchers used the 2012 U.S. National Inpatient Sample dataset to compare a group of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia patients to four other groups: pneumonia on admission; general hospital admissions; matched on mortality and disease severity; and ventilator-associated pneumonia.
The study shows the overall incidence of nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia was 1.6 percent, representing a rate of 3.63 per 1,000 patient-days.
Researchers also found nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia was linked to higher total hospital charges, longer lengths of stay and greater likelihood of death when compared to all groups expect the ventilator-associated pneumonia group.
“Nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia is an underappreciated and serious patient safety issue, resulting in significant increases in cost, length of stay, and mortality,” study authors concluded.
More articles on healthcare quality:
Increased hospital payments linked to better heart attack outcomes: 4 things to know
Consultations significantly reduce 30-day death rates for some drug-resistant infections
VA OIG report reveals Buffalo VA staff failed to try to resuscitate dying patient
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
