Date of Graduation

Summer 7-30-2024

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

Kaiser cohort MSN capstone

First Advisor

Nhadine Fabro-Brown

Second Advisor

David Ainsworth

Abstract

Abstract

Problem: Non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (nv-HAP) is increasingly becoming a significant concern in healthcare settings. Studies have indicated that nv-HAP accounts for a substantial portion of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, with a high associated mortality rate. The prevalence of nv-HAP underscores the importance of implementing robust HAP prevention bundles. Prevention, early recognition, and appropriate management of nv-HAP are essential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities.

Context: A 28-bed capacity Stroke Telemetry Unit incurred six nv-HAP incidents in 2023. Patients needed to be more compliant with the nv-HAP prevention bundles. Patient care technicians (PCTs) are instrumental nurses’ partners in accomplishing this feat. An assessment survey of the PCTs showed a knowledge deficit on the nv-HAP prevention bundle.

Interventions: A quality improvement project on PCT education is in place to address the knowledge deficit. Educating the PCTs on the HAP prevention protocol ensures that patients’ safety and well-being will be the staff members’ priority. They will better understand the process and prevent the spread of pneumonia to other patients.

Measures: The outcome measure is decreasing HAP cases by 17% and decreasing one HAP incident in a stroke telemetry unit. In addition, PCTs can verbalize and apply the HAP prevention bundle.

Results: In June 2024, six PCT education sessions were offered to achieve full attendance. However, only ten out of the 24 PCTs were able to attend. Despite the lower turnout, the attending PCTs expressed satisfaction with the education content, empowering and equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills to educate patients and their families on preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia. Although a higher attendance rate was targeted, the positive feedback and impact on participation were deemed satisfactory. No new HAP incidents were reported in terms of metrics, but the unit has not yet reached the regional benchmark. During the project implementation, the percentage of patients getting out of bed for meals, teeth brushing, and ambulation remained the same.

Conclusions: Empowering PCTs through education on nv-HAP prevention is highly valuable in healthcare. Patient care quality can improve by equipping PCTs with knowledge and skills to prevent pneumonia. Such education initiatives are crucial to ensure continuous updates in understanding and practices. Empowered PCTs can effectively implement preventive measures, reducing pneumonia incidences and enhancing patient outcomes. This holistic approach has the potential to revolutionize patient care and contribute to a healthier healthcare system. To address the low turnout in PCT education sessions, strategic alterations such as adjusting timing and location, enhancing content and delivery methods, and promoting sessions across various channels can engage and motivate participants for a more successful educational session.

Keywords: non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia, pneumonia prevention, HAP bundles, patient care technicians, nursing assistant education

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