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This Midwest academic medical center conducts skin surveys using a process involving over 50 staff members; assigned in teams, to assess every inpatient for pressure injuries. For each pressure injury, stage and location are recorded and whether it was hospital-acquired or present on admission. Data from completed recording forms are transcribed onto reporting forms. The skin survey takes from 1-4 hours on each unit plus additional time for transcribing, validating and reporting the results.
An interprofessional team collaborated to develop an iPadä application to capture data for reporting HAPIs. The application downloads the unit census, allows users to enter data through touch screens with the option to include details, then the summary screen displays real time status of data collection. At completion, a unit based report generates for reporting purposes. Strategies from the Evidence-Based Practice Implementation Guide were used to increase awareness, build knowledge and commitment, promote action and adoption, and pursue integration and sustain the practice change (Cullen & Adams, 2012). Modifications addressed challenges encountered.
Evaluation includes staff satisfaction and time to compile and report survey data. Staff rated statements related to ease of use and satisfaction with the HAPI APP on a scale of 1-4 (1=strongly disagree; 4=strongly agree). Mean scores ranged from 3.42 to 3.75. Preliminary results suggest a saving of approximately 6 hours processing the data.
This innovative use of technology provides an effective and efficient method to gather and report HAPIs. More accurate and efficient surveillance data allows nurses to better identify problems related to HAPIs and focus on interventions.