Device Related Pressure Ulcers Pre and Post Identification and Intervention

Area of Science:

• Medical device safety
• Patient skin integrity
• Pediatric surgical care

Background:

• Device-related pressure injuries constitute a significant portion (62-81%) of hospital-acquired pressure injuries.
• In 2014, 3.579 injuries per 1000 ventilator days were attributed to BiPAP/CPAP devices.
• In 2015, 26.5% of hospital-acquired pressure injuries occurred in prone surgical spine patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce device-related pressure injuries in pediatric patients.
• To prevent pressure injuries associated with BiPAP/CPAP mask use and orthopedic spinal surgery positioning.

Main Methods:

• Formation of collaborative teams including respiratory therapists and operating room staff.
• Implementation of adhesive foam dressings on patient faces prior to BiPAP/CPAP mask use.
• Application of adhesive foam dressings to potential pressure injury areas before orthopedic spinal surgery.

Main Results:

• Zero BiPAP/CPAP pressure injuries were recorded from July to December 2014.
• Following interventions, zero pressure injuries occurred from March through December 2016 when dressings were applied pre-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Real-time patient data was utilized to guide interventions and foster a culture of preventative care.
• The study highlights the importance of airway maintenance, operative positioning, and skin protection.
• Adhesive foam dressings proved effective in preventing device and positioning-related pressure injuries in a pediatric setting.