GENERAL SESSION: The Cost of Pneumonia World-Wide in Lives and Money: Is Oral Hygiene the Answer?
(Room DALLAS 5-7)
31 Jul 19
8:00 AM
-
10:00 AM
Tracks:
Oral-Systemic Health
Pneumonia can steal a life quickly! Patients dependent on others for oral care are at increased risk of pneumonia from aspiration of pathogenic oral bacteria. Can pneumonia be prevented with the power of a toothbrush? This course explores research by a dental hygienist and nurse practitioner to establish interdisciplinary oral care protocols to prevent pneumonia in high-risk populations. Patients on life support may develop Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP), while others may develop a hospital-acquired pneumonia. Resulting mortality rates of roughly 20% in the US cost hospitals $40,000 per case, which is not reimbursable. Can RDHs save both lives and hospital costs? Oral assessment guides and protocols will be detailed, along with evidence of significant reduction with interdisciplinary care. Incorporation of dental hygienists as members of multidisciplinary hospital teams will be examined. Potential for expansion of the protocol into other underserved populations will be explored.