Pressure Ulcer Avoidance Requires Partnership
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) published a recent article describing the various approaches to minimize the likelihood of pressure ulcers (bed sores). Ongoing data indicates that a team effort completed by a compendium of caregivers and others in a healthcare facility is most effective.
Data suggests that more than two million Americans develop bed sores on an annual basis. Predisposing factors include dehydration, incontinence, poor nutrition, and immobility. Patients really need to be monitored on a constant basis by a variety of individuals, ranging from maintenance workers to nurses.
An article last summer in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted that team approaches were the most effective means to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers. A study of such in 52 nursing homes across the country noted a decrease nearing seventy percent.
That study was funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The initial intent of the study was to provide educational programming for nursing home workers to reduce the incidence of bedsores. It further encouraged the development of unique approaches to address this problem.
Different reports from the participating facilities brought to attention the potential roles in prevention played by a wide range of persons in the healthcare setting. For example, one nursing home noted the input of workers from the laundry room. They noted that residents with clothing that was too tight were getting sores. Kitchen staff at another location changed meals to buffet service, to minimize the amount of time residents spent in one position.
Other facilities took more traditional approaches, including a more focused assessment in standard progress noted employed by nursing assistants. This is a key recommendation noted by experts, as ongoing attention by nursing staff can be the most effective first line approach. New mattresses manufactured from high-density foam were purchased to reduce pressure to areas most prone to infection.
These approaches, among other effective tactics to reducing pressure ulcers, will become increasingly critical as reimbursement for this preventable condition will soon cease. The onus is increasingly placed on healthcare facilities to refine old prevention tactics and develop novel approaches to prevent such.
February 21, 2008 Related topics: Trends, Partnerships & Consortia, Quality, Safety, Errors