Pneumonia: Importance to Patients and Families

Hospital-acquired pneumonia, and notably ventilator-associated pneumonia, developing as a consequence of lung bacterial colonization, alters clinically important outcomes, including duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality rates (Kalil et al., 2016; Roquilly et al., 2015).

VAP is one of the most serious complications for the most critically ill and vulnerable patients and can be avoided in the hospital by using proven strategies (Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), 2012).

Vaccines can prevent some types of Pneumonia. Patients can help prevent pneumonia and other respiratory infections by following good hygiene practices. These practices include cleaning hands regularly and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (CDC, 2020).

Patient Story

Claire inspires change after her passing

Claire, the nine year- old daughter of an ICU nurse, died after 16 days in the same intensive care, following surgery to repair a malformation in her skull. After surgery, Claire was placed in a deep sleep and on a ventilator. She eventually succumbed to complications, including pneumonia. Her mother risked everything to fight in Claire's memory. A review of Claire's care found that ventilator management was below accepted standards. It also revealed Claire's death was precipitated by an abrupt rise in carbon dioxide caused, most commonly, by a blocked endotracheal tube. The review deemed Claire's death as preventable (Canadian Patient Safety Institute, 2011).