Pressure Ulcer Cross-setting Intervention

Project Overview

Although pressure ulcers are preventable in most cases, the prevalence of pressure ulcers in health care facilities is increasing. It is estimated the 2.5 million patients are treated for pressure ulcers in US health acute-care facilities each year. Pressure ulcers cause considerable harm to patients, hindering functional recovery, frequently causing pain and the development of serious infections. Nearly 60,000 US hospital patients are estimated to die each year from complications due to hospital acquired pressure ulcers. The estimated cost of managing a single full-thickness pressure ulcer is as high as $70,000, and the total cost for treatment of pressure ulcers in the US is estimated at $11 billion per year.

• Risk is predictable.
  • Risk factors include age, immobility, incontinence, poor nutrition, sensory problems, circulation problems, dehydration, and poor nutrition.
• Skin integrity can deteriorate in hours.
  • Frequent assessment prevents minor problems from becoming major ulcers.
• Wet skin is more vulnerable to skin disruption and ulceration.
  • Dry skin is a risk factor as well.
• Continual pressure, especially over bony prominences, increases risk.
• Pressure-relieving surfaces may help.

Reddy M, Gill SS, Rochon PA. JAMA. 2006;296:974-984.

Main Objectives

To reduce the incidence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers.

Measures

Prevent hospital-acquired pressure ulcers consistent with present on admission/never events.

Links

www.ihi.org

For questions contact:

Michelle Mills, Project Director, at 303.847.1727 or mmills@coqio@sdps.org;
Shari Ward, Project Manager, at 303.669.9581 or sward@coqio.sdps.org;
Judy Fye at 720.206.9342 or jfye@coqio.sdps.org.