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Under pressure: preventing pressure ulcers in critically ill infants
Christine A Schindler1, Theresa A Mikhailov, Susan E Cashin
1Division of Critical Care, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
Insights
A pressure ulcer prevention bundle significantly reduced pressure ulcer development in infants within the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Consistent implementation of evidence-based interventions is key to preventing these injuries in vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Intensive Care
- Patient Safety
- Clinical Interventions
Background:
- Pressure ulcers pose a significant risk to vulnerable infant populations in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
- Effective prevention strategies are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing healthcare-associated complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a pressure ulcer prevention bundle in reducing pressure ulcer incidence among infants in the PICU.
- To determine if a standardized care bundle impacts the development of pressure ulcers in critically ill infants.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was employed.
- The study included 399 infants aged 0 to 3 months admitted to a large tertiary care medical center.
- Data was collected to assess pressure ulcer development before and after bundle implementation.
Main Results:
- The implementation of the pressure ulcer prevention bundle was associated with a significant reduction in incidence.
- Pressure ulcer incidence decreased from 18.8% to 6.8% following the introduction of the care bundle.
- This represents a substantial improvement in preventing pressure ulcers in the studied infant population.
Conclusions:
- Pressure ulcers are preventable in high-risk infant populations within the PICU.
- Consistent application of evidence-based interventions, supported by system changes, empowers nurses to effectively prevent pressure ulcers.
- The findings underscore the importance of standardized, evidence-based practices in pediatric patient safety.
Purpose:
To determine whether a pressure ulcer prevention bundle was associated with a significant reduction in pressure ulcer development in infants in the pediatric intensive care unit.
Design And Methods:
Quasi-experimental design involving 399 infants 0 to 3 months of age at a large tertiary care medical center.
Results:
The implementation of the care bundle was associated with a significant drop in pressure ulcer incidence from 18.8 to 6.8%.
Practice Implications:
Pressure ulcers can be prevented in the most vulnerable patients with the consistent implementation of evidence-based interventions and system supports to assist nurses with the change in practice.
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