Inpatient care and microbial surveillance during year 2007-2008; retrospective evaluation of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in General Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Patient care is a concerning issue representing the nosocomial infection transmission especially hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). This study aims to identify the percentage statistics of HAP among the hospitalised patients of general ward. Also, among the objectives is to investigate the etiological pattern with the prescribed antibiotics in the concomitant treatment. A two-year retrospective cohort analysis was made from January 2007 to December 2008 in General Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Results identified the increase rate of HAP and secondary increase rate of mortality with diagnosed pathogen. More profound analysis showed the inappropriate use of antibiotics that can be the possible cause of HAP and lead to future increase in resistance pattern in pathogens. Conclusion has been made on the recommendation of the clinical evidence-based treatment as to reduce the risk of other morbidities in a clause to reduce the spread of nosocomial infections.