The PIT stop: Using a team approach to turn down pressure injuries.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Pressure injuries (PIs) significantly affect patient outcomes, hospital stays, and costs.
• A 104-bed hospital experienced an increase in hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To decrease HAPIs by implementing the Pathway to Excellence framework.
• Enhance PI prevention and treatment strategies within a hospital setting.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a multidisciplinary pressure injury team (PIT).
• Implementation of weekly "Wound Care Wednesdays" for consistent photo documentation.
• Enhanced admission assessments with dual-nurse skin checks and a smart note in the EHR.
• Development of unit-specific action plans and performance scorecards.

Main Results:

• Improved documentation of present-on-admission wounds.
• Achieved a 37.7% reduction in HAPI rates between 2022 and 2024.
• Increased accountability and transparency in PI prevention efforts.

Conclusions:

• The PIT framework, aligned with Pathway to Excellence standards, is adaptable for reducing PIs.
• The approach promotes sustained quality improvement in healthcare organizations.
• Effective teamwork and standardized processes are key to reducing pressure injuries.