Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries: Application of Preventive and Reactive Measures in Real Practice

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Clinical Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) are a significant concern in healthcare settings.
• Effective prevention strategies are crucial to reduce patient morbidity and healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the application rate and timing (preventive vs. reactive) of anti-decubitus mattresses and postural changes in patients who developed HAPI.
• To identify factors associated with the implementation of these preventive measures.

Main Methods:

• An ambispective observational study was conducted at Mancha Centro Hospital, Spain, from August 2022 to March 2023.
• Included adult patients who developed at least one HAPI during hospitalization.
• Data collected included implementation and timing of preventive measures, patient comorbidities, and clinical variables.

Main Results:

• 180 patients developed 276 HAPI; 73.3% received an anti-decubitus mattress and 76.1% postural changes.
• Preventive measures were applied reactively in approximately half of at-risk patients.
• Preventive application was associated with factors like ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and impaired mobility.

Conclusions:

• Only about half of patients received preventive measures, often reactively.
• While patients with poorer clinical profiles were more likely to receive measures, consistent implementation requires enhanced awareness and training for healthcare professionals.
• Strategies are needed to promote evidence-based HAPI prevention practices.