Pneumococcal Immunization in Hospital
Why is this important?
A shot can help prevent certain types of pneumonia. Although it is sometimes difficult to determine if a patient has already received such a vaccination, he or she will not be harmed by a repeat shot. Experts recommend that all patients should receive a pneumococcal vaccination unless they refuse the shot or unless staff is certain that the patient has received a vaccination within the past 10 years.
How WellSpan Compares
Last year, York Hospital and Gettysburg Hospital treated 1,033 patients with pneumonia. The following shows the percentage of patients (for whom a pneumonia shot was appropriate) who received a vaccination for pneumococcal pneumonia during their hospital stay.
Unit of Measurement:
Percentage
A higher score is better than a lower score.
What we are doing to improve our performance.
|
WellSpan has formed a special team, known as the “Pneumonia Clinical Effectiveness Team,” to work with doctors and nurses who care for pneumonia patients at York Hospital and Gettysburg Hospital. This group meets regularly to analyze current medical literature on pneumonia and to assess WellSpan’s performance in treating it effectively.
When pneumonia patients are admitted, the admitting nurse asks if the patient has had a pneumonia shot or vaccination. If the patient states “no,” nurses collaborate with physicians to make sure patients receive a shot, if necessary. |
|
|