The 6 Mile Journey.....Protecting the skin of 228 patients and residents during relocation to a new facility

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To relocate 228 patients and residents, all at high risk for developing pressure ulcer, to the new facility without compromising safety or comfort.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING: 114 Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) patients (98 of which are ventilator-dependent) and 114 Skilled Nursing Facility residents in a facility in a major city in Northeastern USA were relocated to a new location, a 6 mile distance.

METHODS: Beginning 1 month prior to relocation, comprehensive assessments were performed and individualized relocation plans were developed by interdisciplinary teams in consultation with the Wound Care Nurse. Specific interventions included the use of air overlay mattresses on the stretchers used to transport patients and residents, and protection of bony prominences with silicone-based layer dressings. The patients and residents were moved to and from the stretcher by sliding the air mattress overlay.

RESULTS:  All 228 patients and residents were moved as scheduled.

• Seamless transfer from bed in Point A to bed in point B took less than an hour.
• Recognized risks of pressure, shearing and friction were successfully reduced.
• No new pressure ulcer developed on the patients and residents during the relocation process.

CONCLUSION:  The relocation of the 228 patients and residents without compromising safety and comfort was attained through:

• In-depth and comprehensive planning.
• Teamwork amongst disciplines, departments and external agencies.
• Application of evidence based pressure ulcer prevention strategies.