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

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Healthcare-associated Infections
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) are a significant concern in healthcare settings.
• Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) present unique challenges for pressure injury prevention.
• Understanding the epidemiology of MDRPIs in LTACHs is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and characteristics of MDRPIs in three geographically diverse LTACHs.
• To identify the medical devices most frequently associated with pressure injuries in this patient population.
• To establish a baseline for MDRPI rates in LTACHs for future comparison and intervention assessment.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective descriptive study design was employed.
• Data were collected from 304 adult inpatients across three LTACHs in the United States.
• Hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) and MDRPI data were gathered over a one-year period (July 2009-June 2010).

Main Results:

• An overall MDRPI occurrence rate of 47% was observed.
• MDRPI and HAPI proportions varied across the facilities, ranging from 38% to 50%.
• Respiratory devices, splints/braces, and tubing were the most frequently implicated medical devices.

Conclusions:

• The identified MDRPI rate in LTACHs exceeds previously reported literature values.
• Continuous monitoring of MDRPIs is essential for developing and implementing effective prevention strategies.
• Findings underscore the need for increased vigilance and targeted prevention efforts for MDRPIs in LTACH settings.