| 229 |
Clinical Research
|
Integrated health system endeavor to reduce the prevalence of noscomial pressure ulcers Ann Z. Moore, MSN, CWCN, Margaret Talley, Pomerado Wound Care Clinic, San Diego, CA Purpose: Decrease the prevalence of pressure ulcers throughout an integrated health care system* A collaborative effort between a motivated quality driven skin team and a vendor supported educational process facilitated the achievement of this goal Methodology: Internal prevalence studies with results higher than the national average indicated the need for a system wide improvement in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Revision of existing physician order sets in conjunction with the establishment of a standardized skin care product formulary created the foundation for the seamless delivery of care system-wide. Vendor supported educational materials** such as display boards with formulary specific selections were created and distributed to all units. Education on skin protocols was provided to nursing assistants and nurses in a variety of settings, both formal and informal. Additionally, a program of weekly skin rounds was implemented on previously high prevalence units to reinforce the learning activities of prevention and treatment. To enhance these efforts, the electronic medical record was revised to more accurately reflect the needs related to skin and wound assessments Outcomes/Results: Improved outcomes were demonstrated over four consecutive quarters and were achieved through the efforts of the skin team, standardized products, protocols and a cohesive system wide education process. Quality improvement activities of quarterly prevalence studies demonstrated an overall reduction in the prevalence of noscomial pressure ulcers in the acute care facilities of the Health System from 17.53% to 4.6% over the four quarters surveyed. Overall cost savings has not been calculated as yet, but will serve as the basis for future health economics outcomes research *Palomar Pomerado Health- Consisting of 2 acute care hospitals, 2 skilled long term care facilities and a home health agency..**Educational Materials: PST Practice Success through prevention, Smith & Nephew, Inc. Largo, FL.. |
|