Objective: Optimal methods of reducing incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) remain to be determined. We assessed changes in yearly incidence of lower extremity HAPIs before and after an intervention aimed at reducing these wounds.
Method: In 2012, we implemented a three-pronged intervention to reduce the incidence of HAPIs. The intervention included: a multidisciplinary surgical team; enhanced nursing education; and improved quality data reporting. Yearly incidence of lower extremity HAPIs was tracked.
Results: Pre-intervention, incidence of HAPIs was 0.746%, 0.751% and 0.742% in 2009, 2010 and 2011, respectively. Post-intervention, incidence of HAPIs was 0.002%, 0.051%, 0.038%, 0.000% and 0.006% in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. Mean incidence of HAPIs was reduced from 0.746% before the intervention to 0.022% after the intervention (p<0.001).
Conclusion: An intervention by a multidisciplinary surgical team enhanced nursing education, and improved quality data reporting reduced the incidence of lower extremity HAPIs.
Keywords: hospital-acquired pressure injury; incidence; lower extremity; multidisciplinary; pressure injury; pressure ulcer; wound; wound care; wound dressing; wound healing.