[ICU project to improve pressure ulcer healing rates]

Pressure ulcers represent a very common complication in elderly and patients receiving bedridden care. Inappropriate management of this condition can lead to delayed healing, serious infections and even mortality. The rate of healing for pressure ulcers in our department was 0% between January and June, 2003. We studied this situation and identified the following problems: (1) improper diagnoses; (2) failure to implement a pressure ulcer care protocol; (3) lack of proper instruments to reduce pressure; and (4) failure to care properly for skin following excretion. Nursing knowledge and practice were not updated with new concepts and methods related to clinical pressure ulcer care. To solve these problems and improve pressure ulcer care effectiveness, we organized a special unit in July of the same year, which proceeded to arrange lectures and promotional campaigns, published a standardized care protocol, designed water cushions, and established proper post-excretion care procedures. According to observed results, our department improved its pressure ulcer healing rate by 41.2% within 6 months. This project improved skin care quality and reduced pressure ulcer complications. We recommend that findings and measures be promoted in clinical practice.