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Purpose: Standardization of wound, ostomy and continence products was needed to reduce hospital acquired pressure ulcers.
Objectives:
Attendee will be able to identify concepts to determine the needs of a facility to reduce pressure ulcers.
Attendee will be able to identify concepts to standardize wound, ostomy and continence products.
Outcomes: Quarterly Pressure Ulcer Prevalence studies documented increase of hospital acquired Stage III and IV pressure ulcers. The following steps were taken to reduce pressure ulcers:
- Assessment of current practices for pressure ulcer reduction
- Identified units where stage III and IV pressure ulcers develop
- Developed a district skin care team
- Collaborated with other departments
- Developed guidelines to reduce pressure ulcers
- Introduced guidelines to Executive Administrative Nurse team
- Obtained assistance from Industry and skin care team members to implement new guidelines
Steps taken to standardize wound, ostomy and continence products:
- Assessment of current products
- Assessment of current practice needs for the hospital district
- Assessment of current processes for ordering products
- Review of best practices for wound, ostomy and continence care
- Industry review to determine products to support best practice guidelines
- Collaboration with Materials Management and Purchasing
Reduction of Stage III and IV pressure ulcers was documented throughout the district. Guidelines were developed and implemented for prevention of pressure ulcers. Products were standardized and brought in to support new guidelines. Collaboration between nursing, physicians and other disciplines improved due to standardization of products and guidelines.
In conclusion, WOC nurses help to determine needs and processes for facilities to support evidence-based guidelines in the reduction and prevention of pressure ulcers.