The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have historically identified key areas for survey focus; nutrition, hydration, falls, protective devices, pressure ulcers and incontinence. In November 2004, the focus became stronger - recommended focus areas are now supported by F-Tag directives, (Tags 314, 315 & 501 are completed).

Federal Tags or “F Tags” are measurements used to assess the quality of care provided in long-term care facilities.

F-Tag 314 483.25 (c) focuses on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. At our facility we have adopted this directive to ensure best practice and we have incorporated the 3 P's into our wound management protocols.

Prevention is a key factor Plan for treatment and prevention Pain assessment and treatment

By developing a working partnership with a commercial company*, we have ensured that the facility provides the optimum care and services to promote the prevention of all types of wounds, promote the healing of all types of wounds (including infection) and prevent additional wounds from occurring. The company has provided product information to support our wound care and prevention protocols, tools and education to improve the knowledge of our staff** and clinically proven and cost effective products that are efficacious in prevention***. The selection of appropriate wound dressings is paramount in creating the optimum conditions at the wound bed to facilitate wound healing. The correct choice of dressing can dramatically reduce a residents level of pain, increase their comfort levels and improve their quality of life.

The full poster presentation will illustrate how the F-Tag directive is important to us and how our standard of practice translates to “best practice”.