The Past, the PRESSURE, the Future: A 12-Year Review of the Development of Skin Care Champions through a Hospital Skin Care Team

BACKGROUND: With the nationwide emphasis on bed-side nurse driven initiatives and transformational, interdisciplinary leadership, it can be a challenge vying for the attention of the hospital staff to prioritize skin care over other healthcare related priorities. Furthermore, the nationwide focus on preventing hospital acquired pressure injuries necessitates an active skin care team. In 2005, the WOC nurse at a small regional hospital spearheaded the development of a Skin Care Team that has grown into a collaboration of healthcare workers with quantifiable and qualitative results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the Skin Care Team was to develop nurses, nursing assistants, physical therapists, dieticians, and educators into champions in their respective work areas with a common goal of reducing hospital acquired pressure injuries as well as preventing and treating other skin conditions.

METHODS: In 2005, administration approved an inaugural training session for Skin Care Team members. Units represented included home health, emergency department, hospice, and other ancillary departments. The monthly meetings included presentations by the WOC nurses, Skin Care Team members, and product vendors. Meetings also included small group collaboration on skin care guideline development, product posters, and process review/management. Members disseminate information learned at meetings to their units. The Skin Care Team also serves as a platform for members to bring their concerns about products and current processes. In addition to meetings, the Skin Care Team also participates in monthly prevalence surveys.

RESULTS: The collaborative culture of the Skin Care Team has resulted in increased membership, improved attendance through popular demand for additional meeting opportunities, and heightened engagement. Furthermore, the rate of hospital acquired pressure injuries have decreased from 11% in 2007, to a current rate of 1.8%. Members have also verbalized satisfaction with their shared governance and ability to serve as catalysts where improvements and optimal skin care is needed.