Hospital acquired pressure injuries happen in the pediatric population. Medical device related pressure injuries are the most common. An array of invasive and non-invasive devices is used in this population. A standard risk assessment tool helps identify the infant/child who is at risk for developing pressure injuries but doesn’t focus on devices or interventions. A children’s hospital in the Midwest used the electronic medical record system (EMR) to send email alerts to unit based Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS) and the WOC team. The team members received notification of at risk patients who scored low on the Risk assessment tool and patients with potential skin injuries from respiratory devices or EEG leads. Through this notification, the CNS and WOC team evaluated patients, identified risk factors and implemented changes to improve quality and safety outcomes. Pressure injury incidences were measured and analyzed. As a result, three separate interdisciplinary teams were initiated. Two teams focused on high risk patients’ skin while the third team’s focus was on tracheostomies. Two teams consisted of bedside nursing, CNS, CWOCN, physicians, respiratory, dieticians, and nursing leadership and the third team consisted of an Otolaryngology PA, Pulmonary Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and CWOCN/CNS. During rounding times, identifying and recognizing risks for pressure injuries, changed the culture of thinking. Interdisciplinary strategies were developed and implemented to standardize care and mitigate harm from potential pressure injuries. Increased surveillance of high risk populations and adding specific EMR alerts has significantly reduced the number of pressure injuries and harm to our patients. Incidences of pressure injuries from EEG leads have reduced 100% from 2016 to 2017. Number of tracheostomy associated pressure injuries decreased by 72.7%. Overall numbers of pressure injuries from January to October 2016 to 2017 were reduced by 48%.
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