Community Adquired Pneumonia (CAP) is commonly defined as an acute infection or inflammation of the lung. CAP commonly occurs in a patient who is not hospitalized or residing in a long-term care facility for greater than or equal to 14 days before the onset of symptoms.

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of hospitalization in many populations, especially the elderly. Pneumonia is the most common reason for hospitalization for persons over the age of 85 and is the sixth most common cause of death in the United States. Rice Hospital is dedicated to providing quality care to the communities we serve. Therefore pneumonia is an excellent area for care improvement.

The goals for pneumonia are identified around patient care outcomes, including primary care prevention and reducing hospitalizations. Once diagnosed with pneumonia, your health care team is dedicated to your needs before, during and after hospitalization.

The following goals are important because research has shown improved health outcomes when these goals are met:

• Oxygenation Assessment - checking blood gases or pulse oximetry within 24 hours of arrival to a hospital
• Pneumococcal screening and/or vaccination - all hospitalized patients will be screened for vaccinations, including pneumonia vaccine and be offered before discharge.
• Blood cultures - blood cultures on all patients admitted with pneumonia
• Adult smoking cessation advice/counseling - all smokers with a history of smoking in the last year will receive advice/counseling for smoking cessation.
• Antibiotic timing - appropriate antibiotics will be administered within the first 4 hours of arrival to hospital.

Resources:

American Medical Association
Center for Disease Control
American Lung Association