ABSTRACT

Background: Pressure ulcers are preventable injuries caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. Hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) are pressure ulcers that occur during a hospital stay. 2.5 million pressure ulcers occur costing hospitals $9.1-11.6 billion dollars every year. Pressure ulcers continue to occur despite the assessment and prevention interventions available. Research has shown the four eyes skin assessment, Pressure Ulcer Risk Primary Or Secondary Evaluation Tool (PURPOSE-T), and a pressure ulcer prevention bundle to be effective towards decreasing the rates of HAPUs.

Objective: The purpose of the evidence-based practice presentation is to determine an increase in nurses' knowledge of the four eyes skin assessment, (PURPOSE-T), and the pressure ulcer prevention bundle.

Methods: Data collection consists of a seven-question multiple choice questionnaire. The questionnaire given before and after an educational presentation will determine the nurses’ baseline and increase in knowledge. An educational poster presentation includes the four eyes assessment tool, PURPOSE-T, and pressure ulcer prevention bundle. The pressure ulcer prevention bundle includes turning and positioning, specialty mattresses, nutrition, and incontinence care.

Results: The primary outcome is an increase in nurses’ knowledge of the four eyes skin assessment, PURPOSE-T, and the pressure ulcer prevention bundle. The secondary outcome is implementation of the four eyes skin assessment, PURPOSE-T and pressure ulcer prevention bundle thus, decreasing the number of HAPUs. Decreasing the rate of HAPUs causes a reduction in hospital costs, shortened length of hospital stays, increases patient satisfaction, and improves nurses’ confidence. Most importantly preventing HAPUs prevents unnecessary stress, pain, and delayed healing for patients.

Conclusion: Research has shown that the four eyes skin assessment, PURPOSE-T, and pressure ulcer prevention interventions are independently successful at preventing HAPUs. Combining these interventions creates a bundled HAPU prevention plan that can be applied in any clinical setting.

Keywords: four eyes skin assessment, PURPOSE-T, pressure ulcer, prevention