In order to decrease nosocomial pressure ulcers in an acute care facility, a pressure ulcers prevention protocol was implemented. Elements of the protocol included the formation of a multidisciplinary team, the addition of a full time CWOCN , the enlistment of “unit skin champions” and intensive education of staff in risk assessment and prevention protocols. Patients identified at risk for pressure ulcer development by the Braden Risk Assessment scale are monitored closely and standardized prevention measures are implemented. This study provides data that supports the effectiveness of standardizing care based on evidence based practices and implementation of a pressure ulcer prevention protocol. The poster presentation will focus on the success of this facility in decreasing pressure ulcer incidence dramatically over a two year period.

Objectives/ Introduction: The research design is quasi-experimental time series design study. The sample in the study included all patients, excluding those on the mother baby unit admitted to this acute care facility on the day of prevalence studies.

Methods: Prevalence studies done quarterly at this institution for a two year period prior to the implementation of the study are compared to studies done during the past years to measure the effectiveness of this approach.

Conclusion: The analysis presented will show how incidence rates for nosocomial pressure uclers in this facility decreased dramatically over the past couple of years. The CWOCN has impacted the outcomes of the prevention program by constant rounding and monitoring of patients at risk, providing support to the team and staff in efforts to decrease nosocomial pressure ulcers. The presence of the CWOCN in this facility has played a major role in the heightened awareness of the entire multidisciplinary team, resulting in increased collaboration and standardization of the care provided.