Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects
Access Control
Open Access
Embargo Period
4-27-2020
Degree Program
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Degree Track
Adult Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP)
Year Degree Awarded
2020
Month Degree Awarded
May
Keywords
Pressure ulcers prevention, pressure ulcer interventions in long-term care, nursing
Advisor
Dr. Raeann LeBlanc
DNP Project Chair
Dr. Raeann LeBlanc
DNP Project Member Name
Dr. Pamela Aselton
DNP Project Outside Member Name
Dr. Bogdan A. Nedelescu
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Pressure injuries (PIs), formerly known as pressure ulcers, affect approximately 2.5 million people in the United States and cost the American healthcare system more than $11.6 billion annually. The goal of this project was to reduce the pressure injury incidence rate at the project site by 50% within a period of six months.
Methods: The purpose of this project was to evaluate the impact of implementation of PI prevention measures in a medium-sized long-term care facility in central Massachusetts. The project utilized parts of the MISSCARE survey and AHRQ checklists as a pre-test. Collection of data from nurses and certified nurse’s assistants was done using hard copies that were distributed before and after the educational presentation.
Results: The results of the PI prevention pre-test were compared with the three-week post-test consisting of these two surveys to assess the effectiveness of the initiative. Rates of new pressure injuries were tracked for four months after the educational intervention as well as documentation of prevention efforts in medical records by nursing staff. Nursing compliance with PI prevention measures and treatment improved significantly. Pressure injury rate decreased from 3.6% to 1.4% in six months.
Conclusion: There was high correlation between PI prevention and PI rate reduction. The project helped improve patient care and safety in the project site. There was improvement in PI preventive measures and compliance with treatment plan.
Key Words: Pressure ulcers prevention, pressure ulcer interventions in long-term care, nursing.
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