Electronic SSKIN pathway: reducing device-related pressure ulcers

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Nursing

Background:

• Critical care settings frequently use medical devices, increasing the risk of pressure ulcers.
• Existing policies for medical device-related pressure ulcer prevention and management were inconsistent.
• A standardized approach was needed for clinical staff in adult critical care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an intranet-based pathway for medical device-related pressure ulcer prevention and management.
• To standardize risk and skin assessment, equipment use, documentation, and reporting.
• To improve clinical policies and processes within an adult critical care directorate.

Main Methods:

• An interprofessional project was undertaken to create an intranet pathway.
• Collaborative teamwork and the SSKIN care bundle tool were utilized.
• The pathway was developed, trialed, and locally implemented using existing electronic systems (CareVue, Datix, eTRACE).

Main Results:

• An intranet-based pathway for medical device-related pressure ulcer prevention and management was successfully developed and implemented.
• Standardized processes for risk assessment, skin assessment, equipment use, and documentation were established.
• Awareness and training on the SSKIN care bundle were cascaded to clinical staff.

Conclusions:

• The developed pathway provides a clear, standardized approach for clinicians to prevent and manage medical device-related pressure ulcers.
• Collaborative development and implementation, alongside the SSKIN care bundle, are effective strategies for improving patient safety.
• The project successfully integrated new protocols into existing electronic health record and incident reporting systems.