Identifying gaps, barriers, and solutions in implementing pressure ulcer prevention programs.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Practice
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Despite existing protocols, pressure ulcers (PUs) remain a significant patient care challenge.
• The Nurse Safety Scholar-in-Residence program was established to translate evidence into practice for PU prevention.
• Four hospitals with established PU programs participated in an implementation project.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify barriers and develop recommendations for improving pressure ulcer prevention protocols.
• To foster professional development of nurse clinicians in evidence-based practice translation.
• To reduce hospital-acquired pressure ulcer rates through targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• Hospitals inventoried PU prevention program components and submitted data.
• Site visits and conference calls facilitated in-depth analysis and support.
• Participating teams developed action plans to address identified implementation barriers.

Main Results:

• Common gaps included limitations in staff education, physician and unlicensed staff involvement, communication of at-risk status, and quality improvement evaluations.
• Detailed recommendations were formulated to address each identified gap.
• Participating teams implemented recommendations to drive improvements.

Conclusions:

• The implemented recommendations aim to eliminate gaps and reduce hospital-acquired PU rates.
• Nurse scholars will continue to monitor and study the implementation of best practices for PU prevention.
• The program demonstrates a commitment to ongoing quality improvement in patient safety.