Criteria map: potential for skin breakdown--a quality assurance tool for use in any setting

An interagency group of nurses from five Hamilton, Ontario-area hospitals and community agencies developed a criteria map with a branching format to evaluate the potential for skin breakdown and to link patient characteristics to care decisions and outcomes of care. An existing criteria map originally intended for use solely in long term care settings was modified and tested by the group for additional use in acute care and community settings. The criteria map includes a reviewer's instruction manual and data collection summary forms. The map was tested for feasibility and interrater reliability and was proven to be a versatile, easy-to-use QA tool that can stimulate change in clinical and organizational practices.