Pneumonia is a leading cause of illness for the elderly population which includes residents that live within the long-term care setting. Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia (NHAP) is spread through contact with bacteria, viruses and fungi. These germs are present in healthcare facilities throughout the year. In the fall and winter months, we have a heightened awareness of viruses.
For individuals in the nursing home setting, illnesses, such as a virus, can quickly lead to pneumonia. Factors, such as lack of activity (i.e walking), decreased ability to properly swallow, and a lowered immune response increase susceptibility to pneumonia. In addition, the close living quarters of residents in a nursing home can contribute to risk. Infection prevention and control practices are a leading opportunity to keep residents in the nursing home safe from acquiring these illnesses.
There are steps that can be taken in the long-term care setting to assist all who enter the facility from spreading germs that lead to illnesses, such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. The CDC has outlined steps that can be taken in the nursing home setting to work toward stopping the spread of viruses by preparing, responding and controlling actions. Simple steps such as hand hygiene, covering a cough, and vaccinations are amongst these actions. In addition to actions that residents, staff and families can take, there are processes that the nursing home facility can implement facility wide. These steps can be found in their toolkit.
It is estimated that nursing home acquired pneumonia will occur in 1-2 residents per 1000 days of long-term care residence in a facility. This heightened rate of occurrence as well as factors that predispose the older population increase chances of acquiring pneumonia and leads to the need for best practices in prevention. Pneumonia in the nursing home population is also attributed to heightened readmission rates to the hospital and a susceptibility to severe illness such as Sepsis. Overall, this is attributed to the increased cost associated with healthcare for both the individual as well as the healthcare system. To read more about nursing home-acquired pneumonia click here.
“As a respiratory therapist, I frequently care for and provide treatment for individuals with pneumonia. Illness can be hard to fight, especially when we are dealing with the elderly population. By doing our part as community members, healthcare workers, friends and family, we can help to lower the chance of exposure to unwanted illnesses. Vaccinations, staying home when we are not feeling well and washing our hands are key steps to stopping the spread,” shared Jess Danko, MS, RRT, LTC-CIP, Great Plains Quality Improvement Advisor.
The Great Plains QIN team works directly with nursing home facilities in North Dakota and South Dakota to offer guidance and assistance with infection prevention and control resources and tools. Topics such as vaccinations, education, resources, testing and treatment are covered through outreach and through technical assistance opportunities.
Pneumonia Resources:
- CDC Viral Respiratory Pathogen Toolkit for Nursing Homes
- GPQIN Pneumonia Video
- CDC Healthcare Associated Pneumonia Prevention Guide
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