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Pressure ulcer prevention (PUP) and identifying strategies to implement a pressure ulcer prevention program is a priority and important in our work to promote patient safety. A multidisciplinary PUP team is key to a successful pressure ulcer prevention program (PUPP). The development of a PUP team should include the expertise of all disciplines necessary to promote a comprehensive resource for quality PUPP’s. Development of programs for pressure ulcer prevention and identification of strategies for these programs should be primary goals. The multidisciplinary team members can offer multiple perspectives and bring the expertise needed to develop and implement a robust PUPP. All members of the team should be invited and included to participate in setting the goals, objectives, meeting frequency, and committee rules. The team purpose and goals should also include identifying elements to develop and implement a comprehensive PUPP. At a major teaching medical center, our existing team began to review our own hospital PUPP through the hospital pressure ulcer prevention program inventory assessment found on the Joint Commission Resources website linked through their PUP project. The assessment assisted our skin care committee to identify elements we already had in place as well as identifying present practices needing improvement in order to implement a comprehensive PUPP. This presentation will describe new practice developments and proposed changes to our present PUP team. Practice improvements include inviting key additional members to the team such as non-licensed personnel, physicians, and an executive champion. Proposed ideas on how patients, their families and caregivers could be involved in PUP will also be presented.
Jankowski I.M., Nadzam D.M.: Identifying gaps, barriers, and solutions in implementing pressure ulcer prevention programs. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 37:253-264, Jun. 2011.