Poster presented at SHEA demonstrates 58% reduction in non-ventilator associated pneumonia

Changing oral care protocol at Havasu Regional Medical Center

In 2021, Havasu Regional Medical Center in Arizona set out to better understand the relationship between an oral care bundle and non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) and sepsis rates. To measure the impact of an oral care bundle, the authors collected baseline data from 1/1/21 to 6/4/21. In addition to the data collection, they identified that only 36.8% of patients had used their toothbrush. The information made it clear that it was time for a change in Havasu’s oral care protocol.

The impact of a robust oral care bundle

In June, a new oral care bundle was implemented using Stryker Sage’s Self Oral Care for all non-ventilated patients. From June through the end of 2021, Havasuper formed education and performed daily audits to measure compliance with the new oral care bundle. During the intervention period with the new oral care bundle, Havasu saw a 58% reduction in NV-HAP, a 41% reduction in sepsis with source documented as NV-HAP, and a 50% reduction of NV-HAP-related mortality.¹ Based on this outcome, the authors suggest hospital infection control programs should consider implementation of a robust oral care bundle as an effective strategy for NV-HAP prevention.

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To learn more about products that address the risk factors associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia, click here.