PREVENTION OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN LONG-TERM CARE INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Aim.  To assess the level and dynamics of the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia in a long-term care facility, analyze modern methods of preventing community-acquired pneumonia, and propose the inclusion of a respiratory tract cleaning system in the program for preventing infectious respiratory diseases among individuals residing in residential social services facilities.

Material and methods. The study materials included data from an annual analysis of the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia among residents of the St. Petersburg Residential Facility for the Disabled and Elderly No. 1. The study also included the results of vaccination against pneumococcal infection and seasonal influenza among residents from 2020 to 2024, as well as the results of a single-center comparative observational study on the effectiveness of forced high-frequency low-amplitude oscillations of the chest walls. The study included 26 patients. The methods used include dispersion analysis, data extraction, analysis and generalization, and statistical data processing.

Result. The results of preventive vaccination against pneumococcal infection and seasonal influenza do not allow for a radical solution to the problem of community-acquired pneumonia in social service homes. This situation necessitates the search for additional methods of preventing community-acquired pneumonia, aimed both at improving the health of the residents themselves and at additional air purification and limiting interpersonal contact. Physiotherapy support using forced high-frequency low-amplitude oscillations of the chest wall walls does not cause significant side effects and increases the level of saturation and improves the subjective condition.

The use of antibacterial curtains to create personal space is a promising additional method for reducing the circulation of pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia and healthcare-associated infections. The use of air purifiers that combine ultrafiltration and UV air treatment not only reduces the number of microorganisms per unit volume, but also eliminates unpleasant odors.

Conclusion. Due to the fact that community-acquired pneumonia continues to be a serious problem for long-term care facilities, it is necessary to improve the prevention programs for this disease. In addition to preventive vaccination against pneumococcal infection and seasonal influenza, it is necessary to implement measures to limit the intensity of contact between residents, along with air disinfection. It is also important to use physical and rehabilitation medicine techniques aimed at improving the drainage function of the bronchi and increasing overall physical activity.