Objective: To educate Care Assistants on preventing and treating skin abnormalities in a novel way while providing incentives for reporting findings to the CWOCN and RN, resulting in an even trend in pressure ulcer incidence with it below the national average of 6% .

Methods: The hospital intercom system began playing a song as a reminder for patients to be turned every two hours.  A skin inspection education pocket card was given to the Care Assistants encouraging them to look at skin, along with eyeball-shaped candy.  An education pocket card showing bony prominences was given with bone-shaped lollipops.  A phone line to report skin abnormalities was implemented, and the slogan, “When red over bone, use the phone” was printed on pocket cards.  Calling the line resulted in the caller’s name in a monthly prize drawing.  Care Assistants were selected to participate on a skin team, and attended an education luncheon addressing skin care, nutrition, prevention, offloading pressure, and importance of noting and reporting skin breakdown upon admission to our facility.  Ongoing education includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting skin, avoiding friction and sheer, inspecting skin folds, and pressure redistribution.  Other incentives coinciding with education include bath beads, hand lotion, candy, ink pens, manicure sets, gas cards, and foot care.

Outcomes: Pressure ulcer P&I data will be reviewed and compared from before the education program (6/06-9/07) and monthly thereafter beginning 12/07.   Type and severity of referrals to the CWOCN after the Care Assistant education will be reviewed.