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Cottage Health System
Quality Report Card
Community Acquired Pneumonia
In the United States, pneumonia is the sixth most common cause of death. From 1979-1994, the overall rates for death due to pneumonia and influenza increased by 59%. Much of the increase is due to a greater population of persons aged 65 years or older, and a changing epidemiology of pneumonia, including a greater proportion of the population with underlying medical conditions at increased risk of respiratory infection. Annually, 2-3 million cases of community acquired pneumonia result in 10 million physician visits; 500,000 hospitalizations; and 45,000 deaths.
Pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or (in rare cases) fungus or other organisms. The air sacs in the lungs fill with pus and other fluids, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the blood. If there is too little oxygen in the blood, other cells within the body can't work properly. Pneumonia can also lead to other infections, like meningitis, an infection in the brain.
Measure Definitions
Antibiotic Timing
Patients diagnosed with Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) should receive an early treatment of appropriate antibiotic soon after their hospital arrival. This significantly reduces the amount of time spent in the hospital and lowers the mortality rate.
Pneumococcal Vaccination
Patients diagnosed with CAP who are age 65 and older should be screened for their eligibility and given the pneumococcal vaccine (if eligible). This vaccine is highly effective in preventing future pneumonia and meningitis.
Influenza Vaccination
Patients diagnosed with CAP who are age 50 and older, hospitalized from October through February, should be screened for their eligibility and given the influenza vaccine (if eligible). This vaccine is highly effective in preventing influenza-related pneumonia, and reducing morbidity and mortality.
Smoking Cessation Advice
Smoking is one of the greatest contributors to diseases today, and is considered a risk factor for pneumonia. Patients diagnosed with CAP who have smoked within the past year should receive smoking cessation advice, because smoking cessation has been identified as an important strategy for prevention of CAP. Patients whose health care providers give them advice on quitting smoking are more likely to quit. As a service to its patients, Cottage Health System provides smoking cessation classes throughout the year.
Oxygen Assessment
For patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or for outpatients with chronic heart or lung diseases who may have CAP, an oxygenation assessment should be administered. This will indicate how much oxygen is in the blood and how well the lungs are working. If necessary, supplemental oxygen can be given, which can decrease mortality among patients with pneumonia.
Blood Cultures
Blood cultures are recommended for higher risk patients and those with severe cases of pneumonia. These should be obtained prior to the first hospital administration of antibiotic(s).
