Implementing a Novel Guideline to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Pressure Ulcers in a Trauma Population: A Patient-Safety Approach

Background: The development of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) is a common complication associated with immobilization and prolonged hospitalization in trauma patients. Our semi-annual Trauma Quality Improvement Program report identified HAPUs as an outlier complication. We used a hospital-wide initiative to reduce the incidence of HAPUs among our trauma patient population. Our study aimed to determine whether the implemented measures would decrease HAPUs incidence rates.

Study design: We reviewed adult trauma patients during a 3-year period. The novel care-based platform and preventive measures for reducing HAPUs included the following components: pressure-reducing beds; improved and protocolized nutritional support; mandatory 2-hour change of posture; turning clocks; early surgical intervention; spot checks by our wound care nurse; and education to patients and caregivers. Paired-sample t-test and chi-square analyses were used, with significance defined as p < 0.05.

Results: A total of 9,755 patients were admitted to our trauma services in the study period. Of these, HAPUs developed in 89 patients (mean age 57.9 years and 48 [54%] were female). The Injury Severity Score ranged from 1 to 75, with a mean of 20 in patients with HAPUs compared with 8 in patients without HAPUs during the same study period. The incidence of HAPUs at our institution was initially 1.36%, which decreased to 0.98% in year 2 and to 0.39% in year 3 (p = 0.002).

Conclusions: The novel 7-step care-based process changes, acquisition of specialized equipment, and educational initiatives implemented were associated with a significant decrease in the incidence rates of HAPUs.