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A growing body of evidence about the effectiveness of system-wide initiatives reducing the incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP) underscores how oral hygiene prevention protocols are effective. Yet there is no national standardized quality measure that requires monitoring and reporting about the incidence and prevalence of HAP. During National Interprofessional Healthcare Month, we recognize how interprofessional teams are essential to preventing HAP, protecting patient safety and improving patient outcomes. 

We call on national policymakers focused on patient safety, quality and cost-effectiveness - CMS, CDC, Joint Commission, NDNQI, AHRQ - to advance policies that address HAP. Dr. Dian Baker, Dr. Karen Giuliano, Dr. Chantal Worzala, Annie Cloake MPA and Dr. Lu Zawistowich have authored a compelling article in Health Affairs challenging health care systems, regulators, payers and policy makers to collaborate on using levers to increase adoption of successful HAP-prevention models in healthcare systems nationwide.

Click here to read Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Threatens Patient Safety - Policy Makers Must Act to Confront it.