Title: Decreasing pressure injuries on a neuro-intermediate care unit by increasing static waffle overlay usage
Abstract:
Background: The development of a pressure injury can have detrimental health effects on patients. Around 60,000 patients die every year worldwide due to complications secondary to pressure injuries (Borojeny, et al., 2020). From July 2022 - Sept 2022, baseline hospital data showed there were 10 unit-acquired pressure injuries on the neuro-intermediate care unit. During this same period, baseline compliance of placing a static overlay mattress under all admitted patients with a Braden score of 18 and less was 39.45%. The process of obtaining a static overlay required the unit’s registered nurses to place an order from the central supply division, then wait for the product to be hand-delivered. This led to delays in care.
Interventions: For 2 weeks, from the end of August to the beginning of September 2022, staff were educated in appropriate usage of the static overlay. This included creating a unit process identifying that the responsibility of the admitting primary nurse includes ensuring all patients with Braden scores 18 and under would have a static overlay in place by end of shift. The static overlay acquisition process was also changed. Previously the product was ordered via the electronic medical chart and then hand-delivered by central supply division. In order to improve workflow efficiency and limit delays the static overlay was stocked in the unit’s product-dispensing cabinet.
Outcomes: Usage of the static overlay mattress improved to 85.61%. Post-intervention data showed that between Oct-December 2022 there was 1 unit-acquired pressure injury, a 90% improvement.
Implications: Pressure injuries cost an average of $10,708 per incidence (Padula & Delarmente, 2019). With a decrease in pressure injuries from 10 to 1, the potential cost-savings to the unit was $96, 372.
Applications to other settings: The static overlay used is a single-use only product. This product fits a single twin-size bed. As this is a patient charged item, this product is discharged with the patient to their home, rehab centers, and/or skilled nursing facilities. The intervention implemented supports the continuity of a patient’s care and with the intent of protecting patients’ skin throughout their healthcare journey.
Audience Take Away Notes:
• Learners will recognize the effectiveness of a static overlay mattress in decreasing pressure injuries
• Learners will understand average the cost of a pressure injury and the implications it can have on patients
• The project could be expanded on by other facilities to evaluate the effectiveness of static overlays on other patient populations
• This project provides a cost-effective and practical solution to a hospital-acquired problem
