Pressure Injuries (PI) Redefined: An Educational Approach

Pressure Injuries (PI) Redefined: An Educational Approach

St. Peter’s Health Partners – Albany Memorial & Samaritan Hospitals

Glenda B. Kelman PhD, ACNP-BC, The Sage Colleges & St. Peter’s Health Partners, Albany & Troy, NY
                Mary Anne Jadlos  MS, ACNP-BC, CWON, St . Peter’s Health Partners, Albany & Troy , NY

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to educate nurses regarding revised terminology and staging changes from Pressure Ulcer to Pressure Injury in two community hospitals in upstate New York.

Background/Significance: Pressure Injuries (PrIs) are a major health care issue impacting approximately 2.5 million adults annually. Facility Acquired Pressure Injury (FAPI) incidence rates range from 0% to 53.4%. U.S. FAPI treatment costs are estimated to be $11.6 billion annually. Engaging nurses in learning about the changes in pressure injury staging may facilitate commitment, and empower nurses to "Champion" assessing and preventing FAPIs.

Method: A comprehensive resource was developed including revised definitions and staging with figures, diagrams, case studies and a post-test. All employees must complete online at hire and annually and achieve a competent grade on the post-test.

Results: Previously, FAPIs for both hospitals has ranged from 0.8% to 4.7% during an eight year period. The average rate of FAPI excluding Stage 1 was 2.1%, which is LOWER than the International 2017 FAPI rate. Post-test results of staff nurses since implementation will be compared to the 2019 FAPI Prevalence Study rates at the facilities to determine if this education has had an impact on knowledge and prevention of FAPIs.   

Conclusions: FAPI prevalence data and nursing knowledge of revised PI definitions and staging are important in preventing HAPI. Engaging staff nurses in utilizing and applying new knowledge related to pressure injuries and staging may improve care and prevent FAPIs.