Pressure Ulcer Identification, Treatment and Documentation Education for Acute Care Nurses

Purpose:  To educate staff nurses related to pressure ulcer assessment and identification, appropriate treatment plan, and documentation by providing a visual wound reference with various pressure ulcer examples. Background/Significance:  Pressure Ulcers are a significant problem, especially among critically ill populations. They are associated with prolonged hospitalization; a decrease in quality of life, and increased morbidity and mortality. Despite the implementation of weekly skin rounds, skin assessment competency education, real-time pressure ulcer assessments with wound nurses, and ongoing wound workshops, pressure ulcers continue to be staged incorrectly. Incorrect staging of pressure ulcers can result in a delay in care or inadequate care resulting in increased harm to a patient, and incur significant personal and financial cost. Description:  In an effort to decrease the gaps in knowledge related to pressure ulcer assessments, and to promote accurate identification and documentation, an education poster presentation was created.  Examples of pressure ulcers on different parts of the body, ranging from stage I to unstageable were included.  A folded sheet of paper was placed under each wound picture.  When the folded paper was opened, the upper portion revealed a description of the recommended treatment, while the lower portion identified the stage of the ulcer, description of the wound, prevention interventions, and goals for treatment. The poster was used in both intensive care units and acute care units. Conclusions: Education using of a visual reference for pressure ulcer staging, treatment, and documentation could result in increased accuracy of pressure ulcer identification, treatment, and documentation among acute care nurses. In turn, early recognition and prompt treatment may decrease associated co-morbidities and save healthcare dollars.