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GOALS AND OBJECTIVES: As the acuity of patients had risen, so had the incidence of skin breakdown and the development of full thickness pressure ulcers in our hospital‘s Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit. A positioning device was evaluated to determine if the device would lead to lower incidence, be cost effective and easy for staff to implement.
PURPOSE: With the impact of new legislative and reimbursement changes being implemented this year and the negative effects of skin breakdown on patient care, efforts were put into place to evaluate products and techniques that would be beneficial for our patients in protecting their skin from harm.
METHODS: Current interventions and monthly incidence numbers were noted and reviewed. A non-powered fluidized device without memory was selected. The device was inserviced with each staff member and was used for a period of 30 days or until the patient was transferred out of the unit. Positioning included using on side to side turns, heel elevations, and as a seat cushion. Evaluation criteria included patient comfort, ease of use, overall cost, and reduction in nosocomial pressure ulcer rates. Twenty two patient evaluation forms were collected and the data and results were summarized in a final report.
RESULTS: Since introduction of this device into the CTU, a 50% reduction in hospital acquired pressure ulcers has occurred (2008 versus 2007). This device is now available throughout the hospital.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Staff has found the device does have a learning curve and proper usage only occurs when staff has been educated. Families are very happy with device as their loved ones report increased comfort with this device when being positioned.
PURPOSE: With the impact of new legislative and reimbursement changes being implemented this year and the negative effects of skin breakdown on patient care, efforts were put into place to evaluate products and techniques that would be beneficial for our patients in protecting their skin from harm.
METHODS: Current interventions and monthly incidence numbers were noted and reviewed. A non-powered fluidized device without memory was selected. The device was inserviced with each staff member and was used for a period of 30 days or until the patient was transferred out of the unit. Positioning included using on side to side turns, heel elevations, and as a seat cushion. Evaluation criteria included patient comfort, ease of use, overall cost, and reduction in nosocomial pressure ulcer rates. Twenty two patient evaluation forms were collected and the data and results were summarized in a final report.
RESULTS: Since introduction of this device into the CTU, a 50% reduction in hospital acquired pressure ulcers has occurred (2008 versus 2007). This device is now available throughout the hospital.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Staff has found the device does have a learning curve and proper usage only occurs when staff has been educated. Families are very happy with device as their loved ones report increased comfort with this device when being positioned.