HOSPITAL HARM IMPROVEMENT RESOURCE Aspiration Pneumonia HOSPITAL HARM IMPROVEMENT RESOURCE Aspiration Pneumonia ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute have collaborated on a body of work to address gaps in measuring harm and to support patient safety improvement efforts in Canadian hospitals. [...] The risk of aspiration increases with the degree of unconsciousness (as measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale). [...] GOAL To prevent aspiration pneumonia and aspiration pneumonitis in hospitalized patients by implementing strategies known to reduce the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and pneumonitis. [...] IMPORTANCE FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Aspiration pneumonia and aspiration pneumonitis occurs when foreign material, such as food, drink, gastric secretions and secretions from the mouth are inhaled and cause inflammation in the lungs and bronchial tubes. [...] A multidisciplinary approach to assessment and management of dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia prevention in the pediatric population is important (Dodrill & Gosa, 2015).