The critical connection between NV-HAP and sepsis

1-minute read

Jo Ann Brooks, PhD, RN, FAAN, FCCP

Unsuspecting bedfellows: Sepsis and Nonventilator Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Infection Control Today explores the importance of NV-HAP and sepsis prevention

Sepsis is a major healthcare challenge, responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year and significant financial strain. While it receives much attention, nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is a less recognized but equally serious issue. NV-HAP leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality, yet it lacks national mandates for prevention and reporting, creating an urgent need for greater awareness and action.

Patient oral care and the overlooked connection between NV-HAP and sepsis

Studies reveal a strong connection between NV-HAP and sepsis, with a significant number of sepsis cases developing from NV-HAP. This underscores the importance of patient oral care to help address some of the risk factors of NV-HAP as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce sepsis rates and improve patient outcomes.

For more details on this critical relationship and its implications for healthcare, read the full article here.