The occurrence of pressure ulcers (PrUs) challenges care facilities. Few studies report PrU reduction efforts in long-term acute care (LTAC). This study described the PrU reduction efforts of a single, LTAC facility using the Medline Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program (mPUPP).
This study was a quasi-experimental, quality improvement project, with pre- and postmeasurement design.
Outcomes were tracked for 24 months. The mPUPP was implemented in month 11. Education for caregivers was provided through an interactive web-based suite. In addition, all Patient Care Technicians attended a 4-week 1-hour inservice. New skin care products were implemented. The facility also implemented an algorithm for treatment of wounds.
There was a significant reduction in the mean monthly hospital-acquired PrU (nPrU) rate when preprogram is compared to postprogram.
Sustainable nPrU reduction can be achieved with mPUPP.
LTAC hospitals could expect to reduce nPrU with education and incentive of caregivers.
1 Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
2 Specialty Hospital of Washington-Hadley, SW Washington, DC, USA
3 Medline Industries, Inc., Mundelein, IL, USA
Accepted 4 July 2014.
Correspondence
Daniel L. Young, Department of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway Box 453029, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3029.
E-mail: daniel.young@unlv.edu
Grant sponsor: Medline Industries Inc.
