Pneumonia Care
Care Quality Measures
|
Suburban Hospital
July –December 2011
most recent data
|
State Average
April 2010 - March 2011
last available
|
National Average
April 2010 - March 2011
last available
|
Patient assessed and given pneumococcal vaccination
(What this measure means) |
99% |
94% |
94% |
Initial Emergency Department blood culture was performed prior to administration of the first hospital dose of antibiotics.
(What this measure means) |
98% |
94% |
96% |
Smoking cessation advice/counseling given to patients who smoke
(What this measure means) |
100% |
98% |
98% |
Antibiotics given within six hours of arrival
(What this measure means) |
98% |
95% |
96% |
Patients given the most appropriate initial antibiotic
(What this measure means) |
91% |
94% |
94% |
Patients assessed and given the influenza vaccination
(What this measure means) |
96% |
93% |
93% |
Pneumonia
What we are doing to improve:
The healthcare team continues to work on coordination of diagnostic studies for patients admitted with pneumonia, so that once the studies are completed, antibiotics can be started as quickly as possible. The goal is for the first dose to be given within 6 hours of arrival.
The hospital promotes pneumonia vaccination for eligible patients, and flu vaccine for patients, physicians and hospital staff during the flu season months (October through March). Patients are screened on admission to determine the need for vaccination, and then receive the vaccines as close to the time of discharge as possible. The hospital also works with area nursing homes to improve the process of sharing information about patients’ vaccination status.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with pneumonia who receive an assessment of the oxygen levels in the blood on admission. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Pneumonia can lower the oxygen level in your blood because when the lungs fill with mucus, the oxygen you take in through normal breathing may not reach your bloodstream effectively. It is important for your blood oxygen level to be measured within 24 hours of arrival at the hospital so that your doctor can determine whether you require supplemental oxygen therapy. The oxygen level may be measured by pulse oximetry (an electrode attached to your finger or earlobe), or by a blood test called an ABG (arterial blood gas).
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with pneumonia who are eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine and who were assessed for vaccine status (whether they had received it recently) and were provided the vaccine as indicated. (Higher percentages are better)
Why This is Important: Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in people over age 65 years. The pneumonia vaccine helps prevent or lower the complications resulting from a common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with pneumonia who had a blood culture performed prior to receiving the first hospital dose of antibiotics. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Pneumonia can be caused by different types of bacteria as well as viruses. A blood culture test can help your doctor determine whether a bacteria has caused your pneumonia and, if so, which bacteria is involved. This information will guide the decision about which antibiotic should be prescribed. For best chances of identifying bacteria, this test should be performed prior to taking the first dose of antibiotics.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percent of patients who have pneumonia and smoke who have been provided with information to help them stop smoking. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of lung disease and cancer Smoking causes thickening and narrowing of the blood vessels which can increase the risk of heart attack. It is important for people who smoke to receive education that will help them quit and help prevent further inflammation of the lungs, chronic lung disease, cancer, or a heart attack.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with pneumonia who receive their first dose of antibiotics within six (6) hours of arrival to the hospital. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: Early treatment with antibiotics can help to cure bacterial pneumonia and reduce the chance of possible complications.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with pneumonia who are given the most appropriate type of antibiotic during the initial phase of treatment. (Higher percentages are better).
Why This is Important: If your pneumonia is caused by bacteria, it is important that the initial antibiotic chosen is among those recommended to cover the most likely bacteria involved. Once the results of blood culture tests have been reviewed by your doctor, the antibiotic might be changed to one more specifically effective against the bacteria identified.
What This Measure Means: This number represents the percentage of patients with pneumonia who are assessed for influenza ("flu") vaccine status and given the vaccine as indicated. (Higher percentages are better. This measure is only applicable during flu season, which occurs October through March.)
Why This is Important: "Flu" shots can reduce the risk of developing influenza, a serious lung infection that can spread through a community or facility. Hospitals should check to make sure that patients with pneumonia have had the flu shot during flu season to protect them from developing this infectious disease.
