Hospitals, long-term care providers, and home care agencies are challenged by the frequent occurrence of pressure ulcers, their complications, and the significant impact on the cost of health care. There is clear evidence that the incidence and severity of pressure ulcers can be reduced by an approach focused on general risk assessment, frequent skin assessment for at-risk patients, turning and repositioning, pressure reduction devices and techniques, nutrition, skin cleansing and moisturizing, and diligent wound care. The challenge for healthcare providers lies in integrating these proven best practices into systems of care that are consistently followed and properly communicated.
The Pennsylvania Pressure Ulcer Partnership was an 18-month statewide collaborative identified through the efforts of various trade associations and other nursing home and hospital quality improvement organizations involved in programs such as the IHI 5 Million Lives Campaign and the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes campaign. Experts from across the care continuum, including wound and skin care specialists and other healthcare providers, presented a comprehensive approach to the identification, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers within the Commonwealth.
As a program launch, three regional education sessions were offered in October 2008 to the healthcare community, including acute care and long-term care facilities and home health organizations. Attendees of these interactive day–long sessions heard from national experts about the latest evidence in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment; learned practical and effective prevention strategies; and planned next steps to reduce the incidence and severity of pressure ulcers within their own organizations. Attendees were encouraged to commit to ongoing Partnership activities, including a baseline and follow-up self-assessment survey; participation in state-wide educational conference calls; monthly data collection and submission; and participation in networking/coaching calls.
Click here to access information on activities of the Pennsylvania Pressure Ulcer Partnership.
Click here to access materials from the October 21, 2008 Kick-off Conference.