" See Pink...Think!" A Pressure Ulcer Risk Awareness Program to Improve Communication within the Clinical Care Team

Purpose:  Although RNs at our hospital conduct Braden assessments for all patients in medical/surgical and critical care units each shift, results were not easily accessible to the entire clinical team.  The “See Pink…Think!” program was developed to improve communication about  pressure ulcer risk.    Methods: The Pressure Ulcer Prevention Committee designed a 2-sided laminated sign.  One side shows a large fuschia pink dot with Skin Risk! printed inside and the phrase Braden Alert! The other side is a blue background and a sunflower.  Acrylic sign holders were placed above all beds in targeted units.  The RN "flips" the sign to the Skin Risk! side for patients who  are at risk for pressure ulcers.  Housekeeping staff were in-serviced to "flip" the sign back to the sunflower only when preparing vacated beds.  “See Pink…Think!” was publicized through oral and written communication and an interactive launch day display designed to reach all hospital staff.  The WOCN team provided signs, and in-serviced staff on targeted units and in ancillary services.  Results:  The nursing practice of activating the Skin Risk sign and housekeeping practice of deactivating the signs are established.  The signs have given the WOCN team and bedside nurses an opportunity to educate staff, patients and families about skin risks.  The slogan, “See Pink…Think!” has become an umbrella phrase used by members of the WOCN and clinical care team to emphasize pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. The program has been replicated at other Scripps hospitals.   Conclusions: The concept of a pressure ulcer risk sign using a readily identifiable symbol is an easy and efficient way to communicate pressure ulcer risk.  Plans are underway to disseminate the program throughout the hospital system.