Developing a Hospital wide Wound Ostomy Unit Champion Program

BACKGROUND: At our 524-bed, Level 1 Midwest Trauma Center, patients with complex wounds, new and/or challenging stomas, enterocutaneous fistulas and bowel and bladder incontinence populate all inpatient care units. The nosocomial pressure ulcer rate at our facility in 2005 was 7.6 %. In July of 2005, Memorial Ostomy and Wound Services developed a Unit Champion Program to address the aforementioned concerns. PURPOSE: To develop nursing expertise in the management of non-complicated wound patients and routine ostomy patients. Implement strategies to decrease the occurrence of nosocomial pressure ulcers. METHODS: Unit champions are either self-identified or recruited, based on their interest in ostomies, skin and wound care. They serve as communication liaisons between the Nursing QI Committee, the Quality Practice Council, and nursing staff. Champions represent all acute care units and those services that provide direct patient care. Multiple job classifications are encouraged to participate with at least one RN unit representative. Dieticians, Clinical Nurse Specialists and nursing administration are also representatives. Champions attend monthly educational programs and receive contact hours for attendance. Course offerings include basic and advanced ostomy care, management of enteric fistulas, fecal incontinence, nutrition and wound healing, assessment, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers and utilizing therapeutic support surfaces. Competencies in negative pressure wound therapy are offered. Contact hours received and committee membership is used for Clinical Ladders advancement. Champions assist with quarterly Prevalence and Incidence Studies and oversee unit based product pilots. RESULTS: Since its inception our facility has received Magnet status. Nosocomial pressure ulcer incidence has decreased from 7.6% to 1%. A Unit Champion resource list is located on the facility's intranet. This allows for hospital wide access to a Champion's expertise twenty four hours a day.