Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Healthcare quality improvement
• Patient safety
• Clinical nursing

Background:

• Medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs) represent over 30% of hospital-acquired pressure injuries.
• The COVID-19 pandemic increased patient risk for MDRPIs through prolonged intubation and prone positioning.
• This study reviews MDRPIs experienced at an Academic Medical Center during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and characteristics of MDRPIs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To compare MDRPIs during the pandemic peak with pre-pandemic data.
• To inform the development of a quality improvement initiative for high-risk patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 30 MDRPI cases acquired during April 1 to May 31, 2020.
• Comparison of pandemic-era MDRPIs with a similar pre-pandemic period.
• Analysis focused on patients requiring intubation and prone positioning.

Main Results:

• The COVID-19 pandemic period saw a notable number of MDRPIs.
• Specific data on the comparison between pandemic and pre-pandemic periods are detailed within the full study.
• Findings underscore the vulnerability of critically ill patients to MDRPIs.

Conclusions:

• Experience with MDRPIs during the pandemic prompted the development of a quality improvement project.
• The project aims to enhance the management of respiratory illness patients requiring intubation and prone positioning.
• Focus on proactive strategies to mitigate MDRPIs in high-risk populations is recommended.