Document Type
DNP - Open Access
Award Date
2024
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Robin Arends
Second Advisor
Brandi Pravecek
Abstract
Background: Accurate communication of changes in residents' skin condition and the provision of appropriate intervention in long-term care is key to ensuring patient safety and well-being through the prevention of pressure injury (PI) development. Effective use of a PI prevention plan and communication tools by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and nurses can help in this regard.
Methodology: Thirty-three nursing staff attended an initial I -hour education session on how to identify changes in skin conditions and report them using the as needed (PRN) skin check tool or custom alert tool and implement interventions to prevent PI progression. The Pieper-Zulkowski Pressure Injury Knowledge Test (PZ-PIKT) was administered pre- and post-education to evaluate staff knowledge of PIs
Results: Pre- and post-education test scores were analyzed using the paired t-test and a significant difference (p < 0.0 1) was noted for the average test scores of all staff members pre- and post-PI education. There was also a noted decrease in the number of Pis developed during the duration of the project compared to four months prior.
Discussion: Increasing staff education of Pis through periodic staff education, ensuring appropriate staffing, encouraging the use of proper communication of changes to residents' skin conditions, and appropriate implementation of the facility's PI prevention plan may help in further reducing the rates of PI development at the facility. Implication for practice: Continued education and implementation of elements of the facility's PI prevention plan is key to reducing the rate of PI development and improving staff knowledge of PI and PI prevention practices. These may improve the quality of life for the residents and reduce the cost of healthcare delivery at the facility.
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 2024 Joseph Osazee
Recommended Citation
Osazee, Joseph, "Reduction Of Pressure Injury Development in Long-Term Care Residents Using a Pressure Injury Prevention Plan and Communication Alerts" (2024). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Practice Innovation Projects. 209.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/con_dnp/209
