The Infection Prevention and Control Team (IPC) at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) have launched a new pilot project to tackle hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP).

HAP is a respiratory infection that develops 48 hours or more after a patient is admitted to hospital and is the most common healthcare-associated infection.

Those at risk of HAP more often tend to be older adults that may have lung disease or may already have a weaker immune system. Those experiencing multi-organ failure and those receiving enteral feeding via a naso-gastric (NG) tube are also at risk.

It is estimated that HAP increases a patient’s stay in hospital by 7-9 days, and although some patients are of a higher risk, all patients in hospital carry an increased risk of developing HAP, therefore the project aims to increase the use of therapeutic interventions to help prevent HAP in our patients.

Lead for the project, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse, Kerry Holden, said: “It is well established that interventions that increase patients physical activity such as the 'Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Moving’ initiative can directly contribute to a reduction in HAP.

“Staying active in hospital can be difficult if you are not as mobile as you used to be and in a hospital bed unwell, however with the addition of new resources across Wards 516 and 518, patients will be encouraged to ‘Get Up’ and out of bed, ‘Get Dressed’ in their own clothes, and ‘Get Moving’. The pilot will see patients out of pyjamas and hospital gowns in the day time and instead in their own day clothes. The kind support of Antony Cobley and Richard Wharton with the Trust’s Clothing Bank (that has seen over five tonnes of clothes donated by staff) has allowed us to have day clothes available for our patients to use, so please keep donating”

“The initiative will see more patients being supported to mobilise if possible, eat meals out of bed and take part in low impact exercises that can be done sitting down to keep the circulation and lungs working better – which can reduce the risk of infections taking hold. We will also see activities co-ordinator Jo Bubb on the wards providing patients with personalised activity plans and opportunities to socialise with other patients.

“If you are someone with spare time and would like to support our wards ‘social calendars’ by singing, playing an instrument, reading aloud or dancing please contact Jo Bubb for more information.

“The other focus of the pilot is Mouth Care Matters; an initiative to ensure patients receive good mouth care and improve their oral health. Research has found an introduction of a ‘basic oral care package’ can reduce HAP by up to 40%. Mouth Care Matters will look to ensure staff have the right knowledge and skills to carry out mouth assessments and mouth care with the right tools and support from specialist services.

Senior Dental Nurse Helen Woodall, who is part of the HAP prevention group said: “Not only will Mouth Care Matters help to reduce infections, it will also ensure patients can eat and drink comfortably, support them to have better self-esteem and improved dignity which is essential for our patients recovery.”

At the launch of the pilot, all staff across the two wards were enthusiastic and are looking forward to getting involved in the project going forward, according to Senior Sister Kerry Holden. The launch team were also able to talk to patients, carers and relatives receiving lots of positive feedback on the initiatives.

Kerry added: “Both pilot areas now have the resources to help make these interventions part of the ward’s routine delivery of excellent care, and in doing so we should see a reduction in HAP and ensure heathier, happier patients – and a reduction in the time they need to stay in hospital.

“The engagement from everyone on the HAP prevention group at the launch was exceptional, without their support it would not have been such a success.”

If you have any spare time and would like to support our wards ‘social calendars’, please contact Jo Bubb for more information.

Email: Joanne.Bubb@uhb.nhs.uk