Using Multi-Layer Foam Dressing to Prevent Pressure Injury in a Long-Term Care Setting

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality and Safety
• Wound Prevention and Management
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Skin integrity is a critical patient safety and quality of care indicator.
• National guidelines recommend prophylactic multi-layer foam dressings for preventing pressure injuries over bony prominences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of implementing best practice guidelines for pressure injury prevention.
• To assess the impact of prophylactic multi-layer foam dressings on pressure injury incidence.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 62 unique patients.
• Implementation of best practice guidelines, including the use of multi-layer foam dressings.
• Analysis of pressure injury incidence rates before and after guideline implementation.

Main Results:

• The incidence rate of pressure injuries before implementing best practices was 5.2%.
• Following the implementation of best practices, the incidence rate of pressure injuries decreased to 0%.

Conclusions:

• The implementation of best practice guidelines, specifically the use of multi-layer foam dressings, is highly effective in preventing pressure injuries.
• Adherence to national guidelines for pressure injury prevention significantly improves patient outcomes and safety.