Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries in Long-term Acute Care Hospital Setting

The purpose of this study was to examine the epidemiology of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) in 3 long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs).

Retrospective descriptive study.

The sample comprised 304 adult inpatients at 3 geographically diverse LTACHs: Spaulding Hospital for Continued Medical Care, Drake Center, and Bethesda Hospital. The facilities are located in the Northeastern, Southeastern, and Midwestern United States.

Hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) data and MDRPI data were collected and reported for the 3 LTACHs from July 1, 2009, to June 30, 2010. Data were collected by the wound nurses at 2 of the facilities on a daily or weekly basis and quarterly at the remaining site.

One hundred forty-two MDRPIs occurred during data collection, representing an occurrence rate of (47%). The proportion of MDRPIs and HAPIs at each of the LTACHs was 38%, 50%, and 47%, respectively. The most commonly reported medical devices causing pressure injury were respiratory devices, splints and braces, and tubing.

The MDRPI rate identified in the LTACH setting was higher than rates reported in the literature. This study's findings confirm the importance of monitoring MDRPIs in order to implement appropriate prevention strategies.