Activities of the Pennsylvania Pressure Ulcer Partnership

 

 

In order to measure and demonstrate improvement across the state and within their own organizations, participants were encouraged to commit to monthly data collection and submission.

 

Hospitals.  In January 2009, participating hospitals began collecting and submitting data on metrics selected by the Partnership on at least one unit. These data elements measure evidence of risk assessment and reassessment, skin inspection, preventive strategies, and the presence of pressure ulcers and their stages. Participating organizations were able to benchmark their site to other de-identified hospitals across the state.

 

The following resources and tools are available for hospitals in collecting data on pressure ulcers:

Long-Term Care.  Participating facilities were asked to track residents with community-acquired and nursing home acquired pressure ulcers each month using the Pressure Ulcer Tracking Tool developed by Quality Insights of Pennsylvania.

 

 

 

Organizations were encouraged to participate in monthly statewide educational audioconferences on topics related to pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. The first six calls were offered at no charge to participants through the generous support of Independence Blue Cross, Capital Blue Cross, and Highmark Blue Shield. The remaining audioconferences were funded through a generous research grant from Medline Industries, Inc.