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Informational/Educational Report
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New approach: integration of technology, process, and people Elaine Jarczynski, RN, CWCN, Jennifer Balascio, RN, CWOCN, Susan Geiger, RN, Gail Lanigan, RN, Linda Stepien, RN, Michelle McCleerey, PhD, MA, MEd, RN As never before, there is heightened awareness regarding the risks posed by the healthcare industry. Accordingly, both the public and industry have become cognizant of needless patient pain, suffering, and at times, death, due to the delivery of healthcare itself. This realization has been the impetus of State, Federal and provider quality initiatives. Not surprising, nosocomial pressure ulcers, a too frequent preventable adverse patient event, has been identified as a quality indicator within these campaigns. Consequently, healthcare facilities and systems have implemented new efforts or have attempted to re-energize programs targeting the prevention of pressure ulcers. Unfortunately, program success has been variable, as healthcare organizations fail to overcome the obstacles that have precluded a safer patient care environment. The purpose of this presentation is to outline a new approach to the prevention of nosocomial pressure ulcers It is contended that desirable patient outcomes can only be derived through the successful integration of the best of technology with the best of process implemented by a skilled staff. While simple in concept, long standing barriers within the healthcare industry have prevented the manifestation of the same. This poster examines innovative strategies to develop, implement, monitor and sustain an effective pressure ulcer prevention program. Program components include the need for a clinical excellence orientation versus a price point approach, the active involvement of executive leadership, the importance and efficacious use of technology, and the identification of relevant program measures. In addition, the benefits of a new business model in which healthcare facilities work as partners with suppliers and vendors to overcome scarce resources will be outlined. Finally, the importance of demonstrating the return-on-investment to ensure continued program support and how this can best be accomplished will be proposed. Case examples are cited. |
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