| Primary Author: | Rochelle G. Salmore, MSN, RN, NE-BC |
| Co-Principal Investigators/Collaborators: | Dorothy Bennett, RN |
| Organization | Penrose St. Francis Health Systems |
Abstract
Purpose
A new approach was needed to educate nursing staff, increase accountability and reduce incidence of PU.
Background
Prevention of PU is extremely important to reduce infection potential, and save patient pain, nursing staff time and undue hospital expense. Our facility continued to experience nosocomial PU in spite of implementing EBP best practices, and documentation was incomplete leading to a conclusion that best practices were not being followed.
Materials & Methods
A PU Prevention Peer Review Committee was formed that included Unit Based Skin Experts from five nursing units, two Wound Care nurses, Risk Manager, Clinical Manager of Wound Care(Chair) and Nursing Administrative Assistant. The most serious nosocomial PU occurring each month was selected for review by the Chair. The Unit Manager and Unit Based Skin Expert (UBSE) from the treating unit were invited to the meeting. The Unit Manager and UBSE participated in the discussion of documentation, interventions and ideas for improvement. The Unit Manager and UBSE created an action plan with input from the committee. When pressure ulcers were reported on a patient treated on more than one unit/area, all units involved are invited.
Results
All guests to the Peer Review Meeting reported this was a positive educational experience resulting in many good practice recommendations from the review team. An action plan follow up is required from the guests two and nine months after the original meeting. Pressure Ulcers continue to decrease, and in November, 2011, there were zero pressure ulcers Stage II or greater.
Conclusion
The Peer Review process plays an essential role in assuring quality outcomes and maintaining professional autonomy. The creative synergy between guest unit staff and committee members resulted in positive relations, increased communication and workable methods to help prevent PU.
Bibliography
European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Clinical Practice Guidelines. Washington, DC: National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel; (2009).
Hotra, R., (2006). Transforming care at the bedside, Men in Nursing 1 (5), 48-51.
Kenny, K., Baker, L., Stevens, L., Yancy, M., (2008). An innovative approach to peer review for the advanced practice nurse : A focus on critical incidents. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners , 20, 376-381.
© Improvement Science Research Network, 2012
The ISRN published this as received and with permission from the author(s).