Reducing Pressure Injuries Using a Multidisciplinary Taskforce
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Bennett, Shirene M.
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- Embargoed until 2026-05-13
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Abstract
Problem and Purpose: An acute care hospital has experienced high rates of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) among patients admitted to intensive care, medical-surgical, orthopedic, and trauma units since January 2022. The monthly HAPI data reports for May through August 2024 showed twenty-eight new HAPIs. This quality improvement project aimed to reduce HAPI among patients aged 18 and older by forming a pressure injury reduction task force (PIRT) to implement standardized hospital protocols. PIRT's initial focus was to increase the turning percentage and Four Eyes skin assessments. Methods: The project commenced on August 26, 2024, and was piloted for 15 weeks, involving 120 beds. The strategies implemented involved establishing a multidisciplinary taskforce, drafting charter bylaws, updating wound care policies, educating staff, and introducing a Turn Clock. PIRT included thirty-one staff members from different disciplines: nursing, medical providers, nursing informaticists, patient safety and quality, dietetics, physical therapy, and materials management. Turn Clocks served as visual cues for the patient’s turning schedule. Results: Data was collected weekly to identify trends in HAPI rates, the percentage of turning and repositioning, and Four Eyes skin assessments. Over the 15 weeks, there was a 40% increase in Four Eyes skin assessments and a 10% increase in turning and repositioning. Overall, there was a 10% rise in HAPIs, which did not meet the project goal. Conclusion: The increase in HAPI can be attributed to the effective interventions of PIRT, which facilitated the early detection of HAPI. The task force was successfully established, and protocols were implemented, but the project needed more time to show observable results.
