The retention effect of staff education programme: Sustaining a decrease in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers via...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Patient Safety
• Wound Care Management

Background:

• Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) are a significant concern, impacting patient outcomes and hospital quality metrics.
• Previous studies demonstrated the success of a pressure ulcer prevention programme (PUPP) in reducing HAPU rates.
• Sustaining the effectiveness of quality improvement initiatives is crucial for long-term patient benefit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the retention and sustainability of a previously implemented PUPP's effectiveness.
• To identify factors contributing to the successful integration and long-term success of the HAPU prevention program.
• To evaluate the impact of the PUPP on HAPU rates over time, considering patient volume changes.

Main Methods:

• A systemic review was conducted, analyzing pressure ulcer rates from 2016 to 2018.
• Data from a large patient cohort (50,441) was utilized to track HAPU incidence.
• Statistical analysis, including Pearson Chi squares, was employed to determine the significance of observed reductions.

Main Results:

• The PUPP demonstrated sustained effectiveness, with statistically significant reductions in HAPU rates continuing from 2017 to 2018.
• HAPU rates decreased from 0.20% in 2014 to 0.06% in 2018, indicating long-term success.
• The program's success was attributed to its integration into the hospital's care culture, supported by staff education and values.

Conclusions:

• The pressure ulcer prevention programme (PUPP) has achieved sustainable positive results, indicating successful integration into the hospital's care culture.
• Evidence-based staff education and a supportive culture of care are critical factors for the long-term success of quality improvement initiatives.
• The findings suggest that reinforcing staff education through key performance indicators (KPIs) and fostering a strong care culture can lead to reproducible improvements in patient safety.