Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
06:51
Mouse Model of Pressure Ulcers After Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: March 9, 2019
Preventing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers: a point prevalence study
Suzanne Stewart1, Janet S Box-Panksepp
1Guthrie Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine, Robert Packer Hospital, Guthrie Health, Sayre, Pa., USA. sstewart@ghs.guthrie.org
Ostomy/Wound Management
|June 23, 2004
Summary
Implementing new support surfaces for at-risk patients reduced hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. This study found a decrease in nosocomial pressure ulcer prevalence after introducing advanced support surfaces in an acute care setting.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare research
- Clinical nursing
- Patient safety
Background:
- Mechanical forces are a known cause of pressure ulcers.
- Preventing pressure ulcers is crucial in acute care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a new support surface on pressure ulcer development.
- To assess changes in pressure ulcer prevalence after implementation.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study design was employed.
- Two pressure ulcer prevalence audits were conducted using the Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Audit Data Collection Tool.
- A retrospective chart review identified facility-acquired pressure ulcers.
Main Results:
- Overall pressure ulcer prevalence decreased from 8.3% to 7.8%.
- Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) pressure ulcer prevalence significantly decreased from 5.5% to 3.1%.
- The change was observed after implementing new support surfaces for at-risk patients.
Conclusions:
- The use of new support surfaces for at-risk patients appears effective in lowering the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.
- Findings suggest improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare-associated infections.
- Further research with robust study designs is recommended to confirm these results.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
Standard precautions are the minimum infection control safeguards used while caring for all patients, irrespective of their disease condition. They help prevent the spread of common infectious microorganisms to healthcare workers, patients, and visitors in all healthcare settings.
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.
01:30Peptic Ulcer Disease I: Introduction
Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) is characterized by mucosal excavation in the esophagus, stomach, pylorus, or duodenum. It can manifest as acute or chronic based on the extent and duration of mucosal involvement.
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
An acute ulcer, marked by superficial erosion and minimal inflammation, swiftly resolves upon identifying and addressing the underlying cause. In contrast, a chronic ulcer persists, potentially eroding through the muscular wall and forming fibrous tissue.
Peptic ulcers can also be...
01:28Peptic Ulcer Disease III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presents with diverse symptoms depending on the location and severity of the ulcer. Clinical manifestations of peptic ulcer include dull pain and a burning sensation in the mid-epigastric region.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
Few clinical manifestations differentiate gastric ulcers from duodenal ulcers. Distinctions in the location, timing, and pain relief are crucial for healthcare providers in differentiating between gastric and duodenal ulcers during clinical assessments.
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease