Date of Graduation

Summer 8-12-2022

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Dr. Susan Mortell

Second Advisor

Carla S. Martin

Abstract

Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI) can be costly for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and painful for the patients. Most pressure injuries are considered preventable, but many patients die each year from complications from pressure injuries. Pressure injury treatment costs millions of dollars annually, which could be spent on other treatments. A quality improvement (QI) project was formulated to address pressure-related injuries and improve patient care outcomes in one skilled nursing facility in Northern California. Based on a review of current evidence, HAPI prevention education was implemented for all patient care staff. The education focused on skin assessment, risk factors, staging of pressure injury, and preventative skin care measures. The QI project was carried out over a period of four months. Audits were conducted to check the effectiveness of the project. Before the start of the project, there were eight HAPIs in the facility over 60 days. Only three HAPI cases were identified within the 60 days following the QI project implementation. This result supports the project's aim of reducing the incidence of HAPI by 50%. In conclusion, formal education and correct application of the Braden scale is an effective strategy to prevent the development of HAPI in skilled nursing facilities.

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