Real-world data to support continuous quality improvement in pressure injury prevention

Introduction:Pressure injury prevention (PI/PIP) protocols trigger use of a range of interventions and products based upon individual PI risk1 . Hospitals commonly develop multidisciplinary groups called Value Analysis Teams (VAT), which consider a variety of factors impacting product selection such as clinical outcomes, product quality, comparison of features, financial analysis, and education2.  Methods: Soft silicone multi-layered foam dressings from three manufacturers and a repositioning reminder system (RRS) were implemented at various times between January 2012 – July 2024 at a 280-bed community hospital. Hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) incidence for all admissions was collected retrospectively over 12-years. It was recognized that patient volume and acuity was increasing with time, which was evaluated by annual ventilator days. Average annual HAPI incidence was analyzed to allow comparison of outcomes during the irregular periods of time which products were in use.Results: A flow chart based on evidence and the current state of knowledge is presented, which facilitates the integration of pain management in wound debridement, both in the assessment of baseline pain in a wound, as well as the step-by-step and progresDiscussion: This analysis demonstrates the influence of patient acuity in combination with various foam dressings and an RRS on PIP. The meaningful use of data through regular collection, analysis, and internal reporting can allow VATs to make informed, data-driven investment decisions to manage costs and HAPI incidence.References: 1. European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) NPIAPN, Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance (PPPIA). Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers/injuries: clinical practice guidelines. 3rd ed. 2019. 2. Geisinger K. Quick Guide to Understanding the Hospital Value Analysis. https://www.symplr.com/blog/understanding-hospital-value-analysis-committee. Published 2022. Accessed May 10, 2023. 3. Wassel C, Delhougne, G, Gayle, J, Dreyfus, J, Larson, B. Risk of readmissions, mortality, and hospital-acquired conditions across hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) stages in a US National Hospital Discharge database. International Wound Journal. 2020;17(6):1924-1934.