Building a Successful and Sustainable Skin Integrity Team in Long Term Care: Precepting the LPN Provider for Excellence

While many Long Term Care (LTC) facilities have formed Skin Care Teams the challenge exists for sustainability of the teams while supporting best practice.  With the implementation of MDS 3.0 section M-Skin Conditions, a successful Skin Integrity Program in LTC is critical. An important component of program implementation is a competent, experienced, cohesive multidisciplinary Skin Care Team.  In LTC the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) has become an integral part of the team.  LTC facilities must make a continuous effort to consistently improve the educational strategies to support the LPN practice.  The educational efforts should consist of the LPN partnering with the Registered Nurse.  The Certified Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) should be available for consultation.  Team motivation is the key to optimize patient/resident outcomes.  This motivation should be sustained by providing the team members with continuous education and CWOCN clinical consultative support.  A uniform practical wound product formulary to complement topical wound care treatment should be developed.  Improved patient/resident outcomes require interdisciplinary collaboration and systems integration support.  This presentation will identify educational opportunities to support the LPN and role definition as it relates to the LTC Skin Integrity program development/team building.