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Purpose: To conduct a pilot project to determine incidence of pressure ulcers for the Cardiovascular Surgery (CVS) population postoperatively. Impetus for this project was derived after the intensive care unit staff perceived an increase in pressure ulcer formation among the CVS population despite preventative measures implemented.
Methodology: The institution’s perioperative service initiated a pilot identifying patients using a wristband who are at risk for pressure ulcer development based on surgical positioning and length of surgery. CVS patients are considered to be more at risk because of the need to use frog leg positions during certain surgeries. Therefore, we are identifying all CVS patients at risk for pressure ulcer formation and collecting data such as age, length of surgery, bypass and cross clamp times, and co-morbidities. Data collection started on 9/24 and continues until 12/10.
Statistics: On completion of entire data collection, descriptive statistics will be used to summarize all demographic data. Chi-square statistics and independent samples t-test will be conducted to determine the differences between patients who develop pressure ulcers and those who do not.
Results: To date, two findings have become apparent. There are patients who do not develop pressure ulcers despite this type of surgery, and there are patients who are more prone to developing pressure ulcers. In addition, this pilot project data is revealing factors that may be contributing to pressure ulcer formation that were not considered at the onset of this project.
Conclusion: Clinicians are seeking answers in the face of pressure ulcers that develop despite optimal care. The skin as the largest organ is vulnerable in high risk patients, but what the risk factors are the catalysts for pressure ulcer formation despite optimal care is still up for debate. This pilot project seeks to gain information that will direct future research and eventually guide care for this complex population.
Methodology: The institution’s perioperative service initiated a pilot identifying patients using a wristband who are at risk for pressure ulcer development based on surgical positioning and length of surgery. CVS patients are considered to be more at risk because of the need to use frog leg positions during certain surgeries. Therefore, we are identifying all CVS patients at risk for pressure ulcer formation and collecting data such as age, length of surgery, bypass and cross clamp times, and co-morbidities. Data collection started on 9/24 and continues until 12/10.
Statistics: On completion of entire data collection, descriptive statistics will be used to summarize all demographic data. Chi-square statistics and independent samples t-test will be conducted to determine the differences between patients who develop pressure ulcers and those who do not.
Results: To date, two findings have become apparent. There are patients who do not develop pressure ulcers despite this type of surgery, and there are patients who are more prone to developing pressure ulcers. In addition, this pilot project data is revealing factors that may be contributing to pressure ulcer formation that were not considered at the onset of this project.
Conclusion: Clinicians are seeking answers in the face of pressure ulcers that develop despite optimal care. The skin as the largest organ is vulnerable in high risk patients, but what the risk factors are the catalysts for pressure ulcer formation despite optimal care is still up for debate. This pilot project seeks to gain information that will direct future research and eventually guide care for this complex population.