Portrait of practice: reducing the prevalence of pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcer prevention and maintenance strategies at a 650-bed tertiary care hospital with a high risk population of patients have resulted in a low prevalence of pressure ulcers (3% to 5%). The steps in achieving a reduction in pressure ulcers were: 1) identification of high risk patients in the institution; 2) updating of knowledge through literature review and attendance at conferences; 3) adoption of a risk assessment scale; 4) standardization of protocols concerning pressure reducing support surfaces, nutritional support, and incontinence strategies; and 5) periodic audits for continuous quality management. This portrait of practice may be similar to other hospitals throughout the country. The future pressure ulcer projects will be enhanced by the recent establishment of an Institute of Nursing Research and Education.