2005 Symposium on Advanced Wound Care | |
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Clinical Research
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Achieving sustained positive outcomes for pressure ulcers in a hospital: A three year study evaluating skin care cost containment and pressure ulcer incidence rate. Janice Alexander, RN, CWS, Lison Plante, MSN, FNP, CWS, Crittenden Hospital, West Memphis, AR Statement of the problem. Nosocomial pressure ulcers in hospitals are one indicator for quality of care and pose a significant public health problem, with the incidence rate ranging from < 1% to 38% in the acute setting. Allman (1999) stated that pressure ulcers are associated with significant increases in hospital costs and length of stay. Conservative cost estimates of caring for a patient with a pressure ulcer may range from $500 to $50,000. A preventive care program can reduce the total healthcare costs, especially when compared with the increased cost of treating complications related to skin breakdown. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of a program designed to improve clinical and cost outcomes by decreasing nosocomial pressure ulcers and optimizing cost containment. Methodology: Baseline data for prevalence and incidence rate was collected and then documented monthly for a period of 3 years. The program included new protocols and education Results: Compared to baseline data, a reduction in the incidence rate was shown followed with a sustained low pressure ulcer incidence of <2.8%, and a sustained cost containment for skin care products. Conclusion: Implementation of consistent skin care protocols has demonstrated sustained low incidence rate and cost containment, along with staff satisfaction. SECURA™ Personal Cleanser, Smith & Nephew, Inc. Largo. Fla SECURA™ Protective Ointment, Smith & Nephew, Inc. Largo. Fla PST™ Practice Success Through Prevention, Smith & Nephew, Inc. Largo. Fla. References Allman RM, Goode PS, Burst N, Bartolucci AA, Thomas DR. Pressure ulcers, hospital complications, and disease severity: impact on hospital costs and length of stay. Adv Wound Care. 1999;12:22–30. Gray M, Ratliff C, Donovan A. Tender mercies: providing skin care for an incontinent patient. Nursing. 2002;32(7):51–54. |
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