The Breadth of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: Nonventilated versus Ventilated Patients in Pennsylvania

Considering the evolution of measures designed to prevent nosocomial pneumonia, it makes clinical and financial sense to focus efforts on patients who require mechanical ventilation. Patients at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia are easily identified because they require an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, require life support, and are commonly admitted to specific areas of the hospital. However, Pennsylvania data reveals that mortality rates for patients with nonventilator-hospital-acquired pneumonia are comparable to mortality rates for patients with VAP.

Using Pennsylvania data, Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority analysts have also determined that NV-HAP affects more people than VAP and is as lethal as and more costly than VAP. Furthermore, NV-HAP is a safety issue that is on the rise in patients in the conventional ward, and it is likely to be underreported. Data suggests that if VAP prevention is a focus at a facility, perhaps NV-HAP prevention should also share the spotlight.