Researchers sought to identify the incidence of NV-HAP and determine the effectiveness of basic oral nursing care to reduce risk factors for NV-HAP.

The study found a substantial amount of unreported NV-HAP. After oral care protocols were initiated, the rate of NV-HAP per 100 patient days decreased from 0.49 to 0.3 (38.8%).

The overall number of cases of NV-HAP was reduced by 37% during the 12-month intervention period. The avoidance of NV-HAP cases resulted in an estimated 8 lives saved, $1.72 million cost avoided, and 500 extra hospital days averted. The extra cost for therapeutic oral care equipment was $117,600 during the 12-month intervention period.

Cost savings resulting from avoided NV-HAP was $1.72 million and the return on investment for the organization was $1.6 million in avoided costs.

The study concluded that healthcare organizations should be aware of NV-HAP as another important source of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) that can be reduced.