6292 Versatility of a Static Air Overlay: Brought in for one purpose, it was soon accomplishing five

Rebecca Gute, RN, BSN, CWOCN, Elkhart General Hospital, WOCN, Elkhart, IN
VERSATILITY OF A STATIC AIR OVERLAY: BROUGHT IN FOR ONE PURPOSE, SOON ACCOMPLISHING FIVE!

PURPOSE: A static air overlay was initially brought into this 300-bed acute care facility to reduce pressure ulcer development and specialty bed rental costs. It became evident that the overlay offered many additional benefits to patients and multidisciplinary care providers.  SIGNIFICANCE: While always a focus of WOC nursing practice, in 2008 the reduction in the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers became a focus of Medicare. A hospital-acquired pressure ulcer can cost a hospital fines, reductions in reimbursement and damage to its reputation. It is imperative for hospitals to utilize products to protect patients, while choosing versatile products that can also aid in cost reduction. IMPLEMENTATION: In June 2008, Elkhart General Hospital added a static air overlay to its product selection group for PU prevention. A Braden Scale score of 18 or less with a mobility score of 3 or less is used as criteria for placing the overlay. The product is widely in-serviced with all nursing units, the physical and occupational therapy departments, and the radiology transport team. Multiple uses of the overlay are emphasized, focusing on it’s ability to assist the patient in repositioning, getting patients out of bed, elevating heels in high risk patients, and transferring patients to various departments for care. EVALUATION: Pressure ulcer occurrence has decreased throughout the facility, especially in critical care. Heel pressure ulcer incidence has dropped to almost zero and thus, protective heel boots are rarely utilized. Radiology personnel are pleased with both the ability to move patients and to read x-rays through the overlay. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Reducing pressure ulcer occurrences, improving patient safety, reducing staff risk for back injuries, and improving staff satisfaction with user-friendly, cost-effective products are essential elements for healthcare practice today.