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Purpose:
A growing body of literature suggests increased length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department (ED) is associated with subsequent development of hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU). Using data from a national pressure ulcer prevalence audit, we will assess this relationship. We hypothesize that increased LOS (≥ 2 hours) is associated with development of HAPU.
Methodology:
On October 21, 2009 the National Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Audit* captured data from a representative sample of acute care patients in the United States. Audit facilities (n=40) participated in standardized training sessions prior to the audit day. On audit day, participating facilities evaluated all in-patients for the presence of pressure ulcers. Data collected includes: patient demographics, risk factors, and pressure ulcer characteristics, including location and staging, and whether the ulcers were documented as being present on admission. Participating facilities were from states across the country and varied in size from small rural to large urban facilities. Data from the audit will be analyzed using SPSS. Using stratified analyses, the relationship between ED LOS and presence of HAPU will be assessed while controlling for such factors as patient age, gender and pressure ulcer risk assessment scores.
Limitations:
Our findings are dependent upon the skill level of clinicians completing the patient assessment on audit day. The accuracy of audit data depends upon correct diagnosis and classification of pressure ulcers by participating clinicians. This is a recognized limitation, and is one reason pre-audit training is conducted. Our findings are also limited by the completeness of documentation regarding ED LOS and skin assessments upon patient admission.
Results:
Data analysis is ongoing at the time of abstract submission.
Conclusions:
Conclusions of the data analysis will be discussed in the context of an extensive literature review, and recommendations for HAPU prevention will be discussed.
A growing body of literature suggests increased length of stay (LOS) in the emergency department (ED) is associated with subsequent development of hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU). Using data from a national pressure ulcer prevalence audit, we will assess this relationship. We hypothesize that increased LOS (≥ 2 hours) is associated with development of HAPU.
Methodology:
On October 21, 2009 the National Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Audit* captured data from a representative sample of acute care patients in the United States. Audit facilities (n=40) participated in standardized training sessions prior to the audit day. On audit day, participating facilities evaluated all in-patients for the presence of pressure ulcers. Data collected includes: patient demographics, risk factors, and pressure ulcer characteristics, including location and staging, and whether the ulcers were documented as being present on admission. Participating facilities were from states across the country and varied in size from small rural to large urban facilities. Data from the audit will be analyzed using SPSS. Using stratified analyses, the relationship between ED LOS and presence of HAPU will be assessed while controlling for such factors as patient age, gender and pressure ulcer risk assessment scores.
Limitations:
Our findings are dependent upon the skill level of clinicians completing the patient assessment on audit day. The accuracy of audit data depends upon correct diagnosis and classification of pressure ulcers by participating clinicians. This is a recognized limitation, and is one reason pre-audit training is conducted. Our findings are also limited by the completeness of documentation regarding ED LOS and skin assessments upon patient admission.
Results:
Data analysis is ongoing at the time of abstract submission.
Conclusions:
Conclusions of the data analysis will be discussed in the context of an extensive literature review, and recommendations for HAPU prevention will be discussed.