Visual Tool for Pressure Injury Prevention

A visual tool displayed in every patient room to aide in prevention of pressure injury. A visual reminder to raise awareness of risk for pressure injury and to implement appropriate interventions.

A lack of compliance related to pressure injury prevention was identified.  A visual tool was implemented to be displayed in each room. It provides a visible list of interventions if patient is identified as at risk for skin breakdown.  Blank reverse side displayed if patient is not identified as at risk.  Built to raise awareness of risk for pressure injury. Reminding to assess for risk and apply prevention interventions as needed.

The tool is designed to mimic a preventative dressing displayed on the wall of a patient’s room.  Pressure injury prevention interventions listed on the sign.  Not only reminding nursing staff of patient risk and to utilize prevention interventions; It also serves as a reminder for nursing to assess for pressure injury risk. It is reusable and washable. Additionally the surface may be written on with a dry erase marker, serving as a checklist of interventions that have been or need to be implemented.

Initially introduced to all critical care units and one acute care unit in a 500 bed facility, eventually incorporating all units, continuing as facility grows to a 690 bed academic medical center.

Compliance monitored one month after implementation. Initiated the visual tool in between quarterly pressure injury prevalence surveys and saw a considerate decline in injury and a higher compliance with prevention interventions.

Education continues on risk assessment, visual tool and interventions at nursing services orientation and with quarterly pressure injury prevalence survey.  It has increased compliance and added accountability for nursing staff.  Utilizing this tool there is improved awareness of at risk patients and earlier interventions leading to lower incidence of pressure injury.