In Australia, we have estimated 160,000 patients contract a HAI annually, with one in ten patients today having an infection acquired in hospital. Non-ventilator hospital associated pneumonia (HAP) is the most common type of HAI, accounting for approximately one-third of these infections, with an estimated 50,000 patients affected each year in Australian public hospitals alone. HAP is associated with increased length of stay in hospital, increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. In this multi-phase, multi-centre RCT, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an intervention to reduce pneumonia.
Key insights:
The study has completed Phase 1 (focus groups, interviews, intervention refinement) and Phase 2 (RCT in three Australian hospitals). Phase 3 is now underway.
Impact and outcomes:
We aim to reduce the incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia.
Researchers:
We have a long list of researchers for this complex study. Please see the HAPPEN study website for full details (link below).
Avondale researchers include:
Prof Brett Mitchell, Avondale University, Central Coast LHD
Dr Kate Browne, Lecturer, Avondale University
Dr Sonja Dawson, Senior Lecturer, Avondale University
Georgia Matterson, Research Assistant, Avondale University
Partners/Collaborators:
This study has a consumer advisory group, partner advisory group, and a range of health and academic partners. All up, over 12 different organisations. The study website contains more details.
Research outputs:
Results from Phase 1 and 2 of the study, including the RCT are now available. More results will continue to be published in 2026 and 2027. Please see the study website link below to access available results.
Funder(s) and amount:
Medical Research Future Fund.
Fields of Research Codes:
4203 Health services and systems
4206 Public Health
420605 Preventive Health Care
Status:
Current
More information:
www.happenstudy.com (you can subscribe for updates via this website).
Sustainable Development Goals:
