A number of strategic goals should be established when infection control procedures are implemented. Infection control policies should also help control transmission of contagious pathogens through the development of surveillance and report mechanisms, increased response time of providers, and increased adherence to procedure protocol. The Center for Disease Control has made recommendations for prevention of nosocomial infections. These recommendations include staff education and surveillance for adherence to policies and procedures, interruption in transmission of infectious entities, and the modification of host risk for infection. Groups of Nosocomial Pneumonia.
Patients have no risk factors and mild to moderate symptoms of hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Group Two Patients have specific risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia with mild to moderate presentation. Group Three Patients present with severe hospital-acquired pneumonia of either early or late onset. The guidelines for diagnosis of hospital-acquired pneumonia include the culturing of blood, respiratory secretions, and pleural fluid. Cultures should be obtained prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy.