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Implementation of a new policy results in a decrease of pressure ulcer frequency
Erik H De Laat1, Lisette Schoonhoven, Peter Pickkers
1Nursing Science Section, Centre for Quality of Care Research, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. e.delaat@zorg.umcn.nl
Summary
A new policy significantly reduced hospital-acquired pressure ulcers by implementing guidelines and viscoelastic foam mattresses. This initiative improved prevention and treatment, leading to fewer patients with pressure ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Healthcare Management
- Nursing Practice
Background:
- Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers pose a significant challenge in patient care.
- Effective prevention and treatment strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a new policy on the efficiency of pressure ulcer care.
- To assess changes in nursing care behavior and pressure ulcer prevalence following policy implementation.
Main Methods:
- A series of 1-day surveys were conducted before and after policy implementation in a 900-bed university medical center.
- The policy involved implementing hospital guidelines for pressure ulcer care and introducing viscoelastic foam mattresses.
- Patient data and care behaviors were compared across three time points: pre-implementation, 4 months post-implementation, and 11 months post-implementation.
Main Results:
- Inadequate pressure ulcer prevention decreased significantly from 19% to 4% at 4 months and 6% at 11 months (P < 0.001).
- Inadequate treatment rates also decreased from 60% to 31% (P = 0.005).
- Overall hospital-acquired pressure ulcer frequency significantly reduced from 18% to 11% within 11 months (P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The implementation of hospital guidelines and viscoelastic foam mattresses was effective in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers.
- These general measures represent promising tools for successfully decreasing the number of patients with pressure ulcers in hospitals.