Background: Hospital acquired pressure ulcers are a high priority in health care today.  The national mean for hospital acquired pressure ulcers(HAPU) reported to the National Database for Nursing Quality Indicators (second quarter of 2007) is 10.75% for critical care units and 5.94% for medical units.  To reduce the incidence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers, OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center (SAMC) sanctioned a Six Sigma team with the goal to decrease HAPU to 3 % or less.  Six Sigma utilizes a process improvement methodology to delve into root problems and provide solutions that will change practice with lasting effects.  The Skin Champions Program was one of the major components of the Six Sigma solution set.

Purpose:  The purpose of the Skin Champion Program is to empower nursing personnel at the unit level with education, tools, and direction to prevent HAPU.

Methods:  After the Six Sigma process, nursing administration identified a key nurse to develop the program.  The Skin Champion program began with two full days of education in December of 2006.  Managers of all inpatient units identified two to four nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA's) to participate in the program.  Participants understood that they would be receiving monthly education but were now accountable to Administration to develop unit specific action plans and champion solutions recommended by Six Sigma.

Results:   Incidence of HAPU has consistently decreased from 8.2 % in December 2006 to 0.6 % in September 2007 with and forth coming  quarterly results to post at latter dates.

Discussion:  The Skin Champion Program will continue to grow and remain a major driving force to decrease HAPU.