The WOCN Society 40th Annual Conference (June 21-25th, 2008)


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Research in Progress: Characteristics of Patients with Skin Failure

Audrey Swan, RN, BSN, CWCN, Amy Evans, ARNP, CWOCN, Molly Holt, RN, BSN, CWOCN, and Theresa Chambers, RN, BSN, CWON. Tampa General Hospital, WOC Nurse, PO Box 1289, Attn: A741, Tampa, FL 33601

BACKGROUND:  The skin and underlying structures are dependant on the other organs and body systems for nutrition/oxygen (blood) supply and removal of toxins.  Critically ill patients with multi-organ failure are especially susceptible to problems with skin integrity, including skin failure.  These patients frequently have alterations in tissue perfusion and, because of their failed organs, are unable to maintain homeostasis, which may lead to the death of the skin and underlying structures.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this research is to describe the common characteristics of patients with skin failure as defined by D. Langemo and G. Brown in 2006:  “. . . an event in which skin and underlying tissue die due to hypoperfusion concurrent with a critical illness.” (Langemo, D., Brown, G., “Skin Fails Too:  Acute, Chronic, and End-Stage Skin Failure”. Advances in Skin and Wound Care, 19:4, May, 2006.)

METHODOLOGY:  A descriptive, prospective study using a data collection tool that includes but is not limited to: medications, lab data, diagnoses, length of ICU stay, support surfaces, and MAP.  Upon IRB approval, wound care certified nurses will identify patients with skin failure in the ICU’s during routine rounds in these areas or based on requested consults. Data will then be collected from the patient chart.

RESULTS:  This research is in progress.  The researchers hope to have some preliminary results by the time of the conference in June, 2008.  It is expected that findings will contribute to the understanding of skin failure.


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