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Reduction of hospital acquired pressure ulcers rates in the intensive care Authors: Nancy Chaiken, RN, BSN, CWOCN Reduction of Hospital Acquired Pressure Rates in the IMCU Prevention of pressure ulcers in the Intensive Care is a priority of every hospital. Medically unstable patients create challenges for adherence of pressure ulcer prevention measures. The rates of hospital acquired pressure ulcers in out intensive care unit remained at an average of 20% over a five month period. Bowel management devices, heel lift suspension boots, pressure relieving mattresses, and skin barriers with dimethicone were on the unit for easy access. Due to the continued high rate of pressure ulcer development, our institution initiated use of cleansing cloths with 3.2% dimethicone in eight count packages. With the use of the cleansing cloths our pressure ulcer rate decreased to 2% over a three month period. What was discovered was the cloths helped the nurses clean and protect patients with greater ease then a second application of a moisture barrier after cleaning with a foam cleanser. The wipes were easy to use and decreased time spent cleaning a patient. This lead to increased usage of the wipes with a subsequent reduction of hospital acquired pressure rates. |
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