Avondale University Research Professor Brett Mitchell (AM) has led a major trial over 14 months that found improving oral hygiene in patients can reduce their risk of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) by 60%. “It will help shape clinical practice and guidelines globally - preventing thousands of infections and lives lost to this infection”, says Professor Mitchell.
In partnership with 8 government and professional partners, and researchers from Monash University and Queensland University of Technology along with many other institutions, the study was published in The Lancet Infectious Disease on June 9, 2026 – one of the world’s most prestigious medical journals dating back to 1823.
The Hospital Acquired Pneumonia Prevention (HAPPEN) trial, involved over 8000 patients, across three Australian hospitals, concluded in August 2025 and is the largest multicentre randomised control trial (RCT) NV-HAP prevention trial ever conducted. “Brushing teeth is a simple intervention that helps reduce bacteria load in the mouth and in turn reduces that bacteria entering the respiratory tract in hospitalised patients”, explains Professor Mitchell.
Non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) is one of the most common health-care associated infections yet remains majorly under researched. Oral care, which includes brushing your teeth, has been linked as a preventative measure, but few high quality RCT have been conducted within hospital settings.
The research showed an improvement in oral hygiene care of hospital patients was associated with a reduced risk of NV-HAP -falling from 1.00 to 0.41 per 100 admission days at risk. Substantial improvements in oral care were observed rising from 12.6% in the control group to 65.0% in the intervention group. Participants in the intervention group brushed their teeth an average of 1.5 times daily. The intervention to improve oral hygiene included providing patients with a toothbrush, toothpaste and NV-HAP prevention information on admission to a ward.
Professor Mitchell’s work is one of the many pieces of research being conducted at Avondale that has positive real-world impact. "At Avondale, we’re producing a series of high-quality trials in preventing infections. There’s a real need for this research", comments Professor Mitchell. The trial is evidence of Avondale’s commitment to serving the world for good – and in this instance, the outcome shows its global impact. Simple in theory and practice, the trial has demonstrated how small hygiene practices have large ramifications for the health of hospital patients. “It will help shape clinical practice and guidelines globally - preventing thousands of infections and lives lost to this infection”, says Professor Mitchell.
Professor Mitchell’s research is research with great purpose. It highlights Avondale’s dedication to innovative solutions – our desire to respond and serve where there is need – to local and global communities. It is research that is here for good and serving the world for a greater vision.
