Prevention of HAP

There are no specific recommendations to prevent hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in nonventilated patientsPassaro, 2016. However, good oral hygiene (tooth brushing) and early mobilisation during the hospital stay is associated with a reduced risk of HAPEhrenzeller, 2023Mouth Care Matters, 2019Passaro, 2016. Identifying patients with dysphagia is important so management strategies to minimise the risk of aspiration can be implemented – see Prevention of aspiration pneumonia.

For prevention of pneumonia in ventilated patients, see Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

For general measures to prevent pneumonia in adults, see Prevention of CAP in adults.