Jamaica Hospital Medical Center halts hospital-acquired pressure injuries
Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are associated with increased morbidity, negative health outcomes and increased costs. In 2016, after an inpatient prevalence study revealed an opportunity to improve HAPI rates at the facility, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center initiated a robust program to prevent and eliminate HAPIs.
JHMC established a comprehensive, evidence-based practice pressure injury prevention and treatment program led by the wound care team to reduce the HAPI rate below the national rate. Senior leader support, wound care team leadership and interdisciplinary engagement were essential to the program’s success. Multiple educational methods were used to train staff such as didactic, online, simulation and rounds with wound care experts. The facility provided evidence-based practice preventive supplies/equipment and tailored processes to the individual needs of patients. Additionally, data feedback was shared and key milestones and successes were celebrated, empowering hospital staff.
HAPIs decreased from 3.25% in the first quarter of 2016 to 0.57% in the third quarter of 2018. They have been sustained below the 2.07% national rate for more than two years. The organization saw increased team engagement and readiness to seek help and clarification, leading to a 50% increase in preventive wound team consults since 2016. With each small success, additional financial resources have become available to continue to invest in the program.
For more information, contact Rosalyn Beswick, RN, MSN, ANP-BC CWOCN, wound ostomy manager, at (718) 206-6638 or rbeswick@jhmc.org.
