Protocol Update: PNX case definitions

This document outlines the update and addition of a 'PNX' category for the reporting of ventilator associated pneumonia within the methodology for surveillance of healthcare associated infection in intensive care units.

An additional category of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) where X-ray evidence criteria for the case definition are not met/not available was introduced to in 2018. These VAP are categorised as 'PNX'. There was a general consensus that the lack of radiological evidence was preventing clinical staff from reporting VAP, therefore WardWatcher was updated in 2018 to facilitate the reporting of VAP where radiological evidence was not available. Although these VAP do not meet the European Centre for Disease prevention and Control (ECDC) case definition, it was proposed that the data may provide useful information to clinicians regarding the clinical burden of VAP. Data relating to PNX is reported separately and is not aggregated with the routinely collected VAP data at this time.

Disclaimer: Documents published before 16 March 2020 were produced by Health Protection Scotland (HPS).