Impact of Mattress Replacement on Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers

Impact of Mattress Replacement on Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers

Introduction

Incidence rates for hospital acquired pressure ulcers have risen 63% over the last ten years. The national average for hospital acquired pressure ulcers is 6.3%.  Hospital acquired pressure ulcer rates were noted to be gradually increasing with each annual pressure ulcer survey at a 539 bed acute care facility.  The facility purchased and implemented a pressure redistribution mattress as its standard surface for all inpatients (excluding ICU/CCU).  Purpose

Decrease hospital acquired pressure ulcers at a 539 bed acute care facility. Method

The facility implemented a pressure redistribution surface as its standard replacement mattress for all in-patients (excluding ICU/CCU). The facility also purchased 48 air pumps for the mattresses allowing the surfaces to be changed to alternating air when needed.   The WOC nurses developed an algorithm to guide staff in appropriate mattress selection.  Quarterly pressure ulcer surveys per NDNQI standards were conducted by the survey team over the course of a year. Results

The new pressure redistribution surface was effective in decreasing facility acquired pressure ulcer rates.  Prior to the purchase of these mattresses the facility acquired pressure ulcer rate was 4.47% (including stage 1’s) and 2.43% (excluding stage 1’s).  After implementation of the support surface facility acquired pressure ulcer rates decreased to an average of  2.7% (including stage 1’s) and 2.07% (excluding stage 1”s).  This was a 40 % decrease in pressure ulcer incidence.