Wipe out Wounds Program (W.O.W.)

PURPOSE:

The Wipe Out Wounds (W.O.W.) Program was an initiative designed to improve skin care compliance, improve healing times, decrease acquired wounds, and improve the overall quality of life for long term care residents within the facilities.  The goal was to improve the quality of life for residents and their skin by:  preventing skin breakdown, preventing pain associated with a wound, avoiding risk of infection, and reducing costs for wound care. 

PLAN: 
Facility based Wipe Out Wounds (W.O.W.) Program – phase 1 and phase 2 which entailed all aspects of preventative measures for skin, which included hands-on training and testing for all facility staff including all disciplines. 

Topics included:

-         5-star W.O.W. Program

-         Prevention of wounds

-         Turning and repositioning

-         Nursing and wound documentation

-         Braden assessments

-         Care plans

-         Shower/skin checks and shower sheets

-         Standardize skin care products

-         Incontinence care

-         Weight management program

-         Supplements and Nutrition

-         Dietary and Labs

-         Podiatry services

RESULTS:
Facilities faxed a weekly wound report to assigned consultants.  Acquired wounds were reviewed for trends and patterns.  Facilities also worked with these consultants to perform full house skin sweeps to ensure compliance and accuracy of the audits.  The facilities have reduced the pressure ulcer development of low risk residents since they initiated the Wipe Out Wounds (W.O.W.) Program from 3.327% in July 2008 to 0.513% in September 2009, which is a total overall pressure reduction of 84% in the facilities represented in this program.  The CMS benchmark is noted at 2% on October 20, 2009.

CONCLUSION: 
The skin care products in the facilities were standardized.  The acquired wounds decreased and the education and compliance was increased related to skin care in the facilities.  On-going education and monitoring will continue.