Abstract: The Use of a Positive Air Displacement Safe Patient Handling System to Reduce Facility Acquired Pressure Ulcers

Background:

Pressure ulcers have multiple negative implications for patients as well as a sizable financial impact for organizations.  The institution’s facility acquired pressure ulcer prevalence had been unable to consistently remain below national benchmark levels.  Currently, the nursing intervention after identification of patients at risk for skin breakdown is often the placement of a low air loss surface.

Could the placement of an ergonomic Positive Air Displacement system reduce the incidence of facility acquired pressure ulcers?

Method:

A nursing intervention was implemented consisting of placement of a Positive Air Displacement system under patients identified at risk. Using the total Braden score as an indicator of risk for skin breakdown and specifically the mobility sub score as a specific indicator, patients were identified for the intervention.  Inclusion criteria also consisted of patients admitted with current skin breakdown or a history of pressure related skin breakdown. The monthly facility data collection of Pressure Ulcer Prevalence was utilized to monitor facility acquired pressure ulcers. 

Outcomes:

The introduction of the Positive Air Displacement system as a nursing intervention provided the facility with a decline of facility acquired pressure ulcers as well as remaining below the national benchmark for pressure ulcer prevalence for seven months out of eight. The nursing staff verbalized increased ability to move and position patients safely with the device in place.  A significant reduction was noted in number of low air loss bed rentals following the implementation of the nursing intervention. A financial savings was realized based on estimated numbers of patients appropriate for upgrade to low air loss surface, estimated cost of rental surface and patient length of stay.  A tertiary benefit of the intervention was a ten percent reduction of patient mobility related staff injuries compared to the same time period the prior year.