Team cuts incidence of pressure ulcers to 0
The medical/surgical staff at Fontana Medical Center had a problem with pressure ulcers. The 59-bed unit averaged about 10 of these hospital-acquired bed sores a quarter.
It's painful for the patient and costly for the hospital, which can average about $43,000 per incident. But pressure ulcers are also preventable, and that can lead to shorter hospital stays and improved patient satisfaction scores. Reducing the rate of pressure ulcers can also eliminate inquiries from the California Department of Health Services.
Based on recommendations from the UBT, the staff implemented an education program and provided one-on-one training on how to spot, rate and reduce bed sores.
The team established a strict regimen that included rating patients on the Braden Scale, which helps identify those at risk for pressure ulcers. They performed morning assessments, and used waffle mattresses and moisture-protective barriers for at-risk patients.
They also rounded hourly for turning and got patients out of bed three or four times a day to decrease their risks. This allowed patients to use the restroom and to keep them clean.
“It’s pretty much a collaborative effort among nurses, nutritionists and wound specialists,” says charge nurse and UBT co-lead Toni Leonen. “The nurses are receptive to implementing the various methods we use to prevent pressure ulcers.”
In a span of two years, the new process helped the team reduce the number of bed sores to 0.
“We’ve created this environment where the staff thinks safety and thinks patient comfort,” Kathy Smith, RN, assistant department administrator says. “It’s automatic. They just come in and make sure patients are turned. Nobody has to remind them.”
Coming up with a new process to combat pressure ulcers helped the team build a sense of unity and staff satisfaction, but they also know the work continues.
“Sustaining our success is the biggest challenge because you can revert back to old practices,” Smith says. “You have to keep emphasizing what we’re doing and what the reasons are. Make sure they know you appreciate them so they continue to do well.”