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Improving wound care outcomes in the home setting
Elaine Norman Sturkey1, Sandra Linker, Debbie Davis Keith
1St Joseph Home Services Performance Improvement Department, Augusta, GA 30904, USA. elaines@stjoshosp.org
Journal of Nursing Care Quality
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Implementing a research-based wound care program improved infection control practices. This initiative successfully reduced wound infections and patient visits, demonstrating effective performance improvement.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare quality improvement
- Infection control
- Wound management
Background:
- Agency received deficiencies in infection control for wound care from JCAHO and Medicare surveyors between 2001-2003.
- Initial efforts to correct these practices were unsuccessful.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess, plan, and implement a wound care program utilizing research-based best practices.
- To improve infection control and patient outcomes in wound care.
Main Methods:
- Formation of an interdisciplinary performance improvement team in 2003.
- Utilizing research-based best practices for wound care program development.
- Implementing changes in process, practice, and education.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% acceptable infection control practice during a 2004 unannounced survey.
- Observed a decline in wound infection rates per Medicare OASIS Adverse Event Report.
- Noted a decrease in wound care patient visits, indicating improved efficiency or outcomes.
Conclusions:
- An interdisciplinary, research-based approach is effective in improving wound care infection control.
- Performance improvement initiatives can successfully address identified healthcare deficiencies.
- The implemented program led to measurable improvements in patient care and operational efficiency.