Hospital-acquired pressure injuries: Are they accurately reported? A prospective descriptive study in a large tertiary hospital in Australia

Decreasing Hospital-acquired Pressure Injuries During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 5-step Quality Improvement Approach

BACKGROUND

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are common adverse events with large burdens on patients and health systems. In 2020, during the initial waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of admitted patients with HAPIs of stage II and above in our health system rose from 2.92% to 3.80%. In response to rising HAPI rates across our own hospital system, we established a quality aim to reduce HAPIs stage II and above by 50% over 3 years from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

We designed a multidisciplinary quality improvement HAPI prevention program. Our initiative had 5 key aspects: fostering governance and accountability, providing education and training, changing clinical practice, monitoring data and evaluation, and modernizing environments and equipment.

RESULTS

HAPI rate (outcome measure) declined from 3.8% at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to 1.6% (58% reduction, P <0.00001) postintervention. Braden Risk Assessment Tool use (process measure) improved from 88.2% to 92.2%. ( P =0.00024). Rate of patient falls with injuries (balancing measure) decreased from 1.5 per 1000 patient days to 1.0 per 1000 patient days ( P =0.0009).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite working during the COVID-19 pandemic where organizational resources were constrained and infection control practices were heightened, a multidisciplinary QI HAPI prevention program, informed by evidence-based practices and supported by access to real-time data, led to an ∼58% reduction in the HAPI rate.

The 'HAPI' project five years on: Incidence and prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in one local health district in Australia

AIM

From 2015 to 2018, the 'Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI)' project was implemented in one local health district in Australia and utilised an implementation science approach to address rising pressure injury (PI) incidence and prevalence rates. This paper aims to examine whether the project was successful in sustaining low PI incidence and prevalence rates over the five-years following implementation (spanning the 2018/2019 to 2022/2023 financial years and the 2019-2023 calendar years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving a comprehensive analysis of HAPI incidence, prevalence, and hospital-acquired complication (HAC) data spanning 5 years (incidence and HAC: 2018/2019 to 2022/2023 financial years; prevalence: January 2019 to December 2023 calendar years) post-implementation of the HAPI project.

RESULTS

Since 2018/2019, incidence of HAPIs decreased by 32.6 % (30.7 HAPI per 10,000 episodes of care in 2018/2019 vs 20.7 HAPI per 10,000 episodes of care in 2022/2023 financial year), prevalence remained stable from 1.1 % to 1.27 % (2019 vs 2023 calendar year), and HAC pressure injuries (stage III, IV, suspected deep tissue, unspecified or unstageable) declined by 27.3 % (2.2 HAPI per 10,000 episodes of care in 2018/2019 vs 1.6 HAPI per 10,000 episodes of care in 2022/2023 financial year).

CONCLUSION

The HAPI project has successfully maintained a low incidence and prevalence rate of HAPI, over 5 years following implementation. This achievement highlights the benefits of utilising an implementation science approach to implementing a multi-faceted intervention in a complex healthcare setting to ensure sustainability beyond the project phase.

Impact of an evidence-based bundle on incontinence-associated dermatitis prevalence in hospital patients: A quasi-experimental translational study

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an intervention on the prevalence and severity of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) in six hospitals in one state in Australia. This quasi-experimental pre-and post-study, conducted in 18 wards, was part of a larger implementation science study on incontinence-associated dermatitis. Skin and incontinence assessments were conducted on patients during February and March 2020 (pre-intervention) and July and August 2021 (post-intervention). The intervention comprised continence assessment and management, an education brochure for patients, family and caregivers on IAD, the Ghent Global IAD Categorisation Tool (GLOBIAD) and a skin care regime with patient skin protection measures (three-in-one barrier cream cloths, minimisation of bed protection layers, use of appropriate continence aid). A total of 1897 patients were assessed (pre-intervention = 964, post-intervention = 933). A total of 343 (35.6%) pre-intervention patients and 351 (37.6%) post-intervention patients had incontinence. The prevalence of hospital-acquired IAD was 6.71% in the pre-intervention group and 4.27% in the post-intervention group; a reduction of 36.3% (p = 0.159) despite higher patient acuity, prevalence of double incontinence and the COVID-19 pandemic in the post-intervention group compared with the pre-intervention group. Our multisite best practice IAD prevention and treatment intervention was able to reduce the prevalence and severity of hospital-acquired IAD, suggesting enduring effectiveness of the intervention.

Reporting accuracy of pressure injury categorisation in an acute tertiary hospital: A four-year analysis

AIM

To determine the reporting accuracy of pressure injury categorisation by bedside clinicians, compared with nurse experts.

BACKGROUND

Pressure injuries are an enduring complication of hospitalisation. The categorisation of pressure injury affects treatment and management decision-making and use of resources, and severe hospital-acquired pressure injury incidence is used to benchmark quality of care. However, it is unclear how accurately pressure injuries are categorised by clinicians in practice.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of hospital pressure injury incident and validation data.

METHODS

All pressure injuries reported in adults between 2016 and 2019 that were subsequently validated by nurse experts were analysed. Absolute agreement is reported using percentages, with inter-rater agreement reported using Kappa measure of agreement. The GRRAS reporting guideline was followed.

RESULTS

Of 6186 pressure injuries that were analysed, the category was reported correctly in 67.3% (n = 4163), with an overall moderate level of inter-rater agreement by category (Κ = .567, p < .001). Of those found to be non-pressure injuries when validated (18.3%, n = 1129), most were reported originally as stage II (41.2%, n = 465) or stage I (30.5%, n = 344), and 13.4% (n = 151) were categorised initially as unstageable. The majority reported initially as stage I, stage II, suspected deep tissue injury or mucosal pressure injury were validated, whereas half of those reported initially as stage III or IV were validated and less than a third of those reported initially as unstageable pressure injuries were validated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides important insight into the accuracy of pressure injury categorisation. Whilst moderate agreement of categorisation was found between reporting clinicians and nurse experts, pressure injury differential diagnosis and categorisation of severe injuries were inadequate.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

These results may be used for benchmarking and provide a focal point for future education and practice improvement efforts.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in the project.

Formal Caregiver Experiences of Caring for Individuals at Risk for or with a Pressure Injury: A Metasynthesis

OBJECTIVE

To explore formal caregiver experiences caring for patients with a pressure injury (PI) or who are at risk of developing a PI.

DATA SOURCES

In November 2019, the researchers searched CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) and MEDLINE databases for articles related to caregivers and their experiences with PI prevention and care.

STUDY SELECTION

Twenty-eight qualitative studies were included in this review.

DATA EXTRACTION

Literature was graded and critiqued with regard to design and research quality and then synthesized utilizing a narrative approach.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Four themes were found within the literature: knowledge and education, environment and resources, collaboration and role clarity, and risk assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

Across healthcare settings, formal caregivers noted the importance of effective PI knowledge and education. Recognizing both barriers and facilitators to PI prevention and management within the healthcare environment can help decision-makers make informed choices to improve PI management within their settings. In addition, developing interprofessional team skills and relationships, rather than practicing in silos, may have an impact on PI management. Although there are many interventions that reduce PI risk and assist in the management of PIs, not every intervention is appropriate for every healthcare setting. Clinician education on PIs, along with new interventions, could significantly impact the effectiveness of patient care.

Incidence and characteristics of hospital-acquired mucous membrane pressure injury: A five-year analysis

BACKGROUND

Pressure injuries on mucous membranes are caused by pressure from medical devices at the site of injury and differ to those on the skin. Intensive care patients, who have multiple devices in situ, are particularly vulnerable. There is a significant knowledge gap regarding mucous membrane pressure injury (MMPI) incidence in acute hospital settings.

AIM

To analyse MMPI incidence and characteristics in a tertiary acute general hospital.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis of hospital clinical incident reports was conducted. The sample included all adults with MMPIs between 2015 and 2019. The STROBE reporting guideline was followed.

RESULTS

There were 414 reports of MMPI. Most (91.5%, n = 379) were hospital-acquired with the majority found in intensive care patients (74.4%, n = 282). Hospital-acquired MMPI incidence was 0.1% (11 MMPI per 10,000 hospital episodes). In intensive care, the incidence was 2.4% (235 MMPI per 10,000 intensive care episodes). The median time from device insertion until reporting of an MMPI was 3 days. The most common sites of mucosal injury were the lips (35.6%) and mouth (28.8%). In all cases except one, MMPI was associated with medical device use at the site of injury. Five device types were identified (oral endotracheal tube-related 70.3%; urinary catheter 15.5%; gastric tube 8.3%; nasal prongs 3.5%; tracheostomy tube 2.4%). In intensive care, oral endotracheal tube-related devices were most often associated with MMPI (84.8%), whereas in non-intensive care MMPI it was the urinary catheter (51.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

While hospital-acquired MMPI incidence is relatively low, it is considerably higher in intensive care patients compared to those in non-intensive care settings. The most common sites are the lips and mouth.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Mucous membrane pressure injuries represent a significant proportion of all hospital-acquired pressure injuries.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Neither patients nor the public were directly involved in this project.

An Evaluation of Barriers and Facilitators for a Pressure Injury Prevention Link Nurse Role: A Mixed-Methods Study in New Zealand

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators for nurses in a pressure injury prevention (PIP) link nurse role.

DESIGN

Mixed-methods study that used nominal group technique with focus groups, followed by online surveys.

SAMPLE AND SETTING

The PIP link nurse project recruited 52 RNs; 32 completed the PIP educational program and participated in data collection. The sample was drawn from PIP link nurses, who were invited to participate in focus groups at the end of the project to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to their role. Focus groups were specific to work areas: aged care and community visiting, and hospital. Two were in an urban setting and one in a rural environment. Twenty-two PIP link nurses participated across 3 groups. To ensure comprehensive data from all involved in the project, online surveys were created using focus group priorities as the basis for questions to send to all PIP link nurses, their managers, and workplace colleagues.

METHODS

Participants were invited to participate in focus groups to identify perceived facilitators and barriers to their role. These focus groups were organized around care settings: aged care, community visiting, and hospital. Using a nominal group technique focus group process, participants were asked to identify barriers and facilitators to their role. These were shared with the group until all answers were declared and understood. Voting on order of priority then took place, with majority voting leading to a prioritized list of facilitators and barriers for each group. Considering the similarities and differences across group priorities, researchers developed online surveys representing the main facilitators and barriers from the focus groups. Surveys were then distributed to all PIP link nurses, their managers, and colleagues. Survey data were collected and analyzed in REDCap and reported as percentages of agreement to the questions for each group of respondents.

RESULTS

Focus group data indicated facilitating priorities included PIP link nurses' commitment to the role, the support they received from their managers and colleagues, and time release to complete the role. Barriers included lack of time-when other work pressures took priority, and PIP link nurses felt the focus on applying quality improvement theory was more challenging than they had anticipated. Surveys from all groups reiterated the importance of the support of the workplace team in facilitating the role, and the time pressures for the PIP link nurse were a barrier to the role.

CONCLUSION

While the funding of such projects is advantageous, it should be carefully and generously considered how much time is required if the project is to succeed so that lack of time to complete the role does not become a barrier to successful completion.

Use of a Sacral Foam Dressing to Prevent Pressure Injury in At-Risk Subacute Hospitalized Older Adults: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this pilot study was to inform a future trial aimed at comparing the effectiveness of a prophylactic sacral dressing plus standard care to standard care only to reduce sacral pressure injuries (PIs) in at-risk older adults admitted to a subacute hospital setting.

DESIGN

A pilot study with a pragmatic, open-label, randomized controlled trial design.

SAMPLE AND SETTING

One hundred thirty participants were randomized (intervention n = 66, 50.8%; control n = 64, 49.2%). Protocol violations occurred in 48 participants (intervention n = 33, 68.8%; control n = 15, 31.3%). The study setting was a subacute hospital inpatient care unit located in Queensland, Australia.

METHODS

Participants were randomly allocated 1:1 to the intervention (prophylactic dressing plus standard care) or control group (standard care). Standard care included regular PI risk and skin assessments, and selection and implementation of preventive interventions (eg, support surfaces and increased repositioning) from a PI prevention care plan. The sacral dressing was applied for intervention participants immediately following recruitment. Ward and research staff collected data and assessed skin integrity daily; participants were followed up until onset of a PI or up to 28 days without PI occurrence. In addition, retrospective chart reviews were undertaken to verify PI occurrences. Patient comfort and dressing utility were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Two (3.0%) participants in the intervention group and 1 (1.6%) in the control group developed a sacral PI. The difference was not statistically significant. Only 1 PI was recorded prospectively, while 2 PIs were identified via retrospective chart review. Participants rated dressing comfort highly, particularly during the first 2 weeks, and nurses rated utility highly. Based on the intention-to-treat results, a sample size of 1799 per arm would be required in a definitive trial.

CONCLUSIONS

A definitive trial is feasible and warranted. However, the large sample size required in a definitive trial indicates the need for multiple sites.

Clinical Coders' Perspectives on Pressure Injury Coding in Acute Care Services in Victoria, Australia

Pressure injuries (PIs) substantively impact quality of care during hospital stays, although only when they are severe or acquired as a result of the hospital stay are they reported as quality indicators. Globally, researchers have repeatedly highlighted the need to invest more in quality improvement, risk assessment, prevention, early detection, and care for PI to avoid the higher costs associated with treatment of PI. Coders' perspectives on quality assurance of the clinical coded PI data have never been investigated. This study aimed to explore challenges that hospital coders face in accurately coding and reporting PI data and subsequently, explore reasons why data sources may vary in their reporting of PI data. This article is based upon data collected as part of a multi-phase collaborative project to build capacity for optimizing PI prevention across Monash Partners health services. We have conducted 16 semi-structured phone interviews with clinical coders recruited from four participating health services located in Melbourne, Australia. One of the main findings was that hospital coders often lacked vital information in clinicians' records needed to code PI and report quality indicators accurately and highlighted the need for quality improvement processes for PI clinical documentation. Nursing documentation improvement is a vital component of the complex capacity building programs on PI prevention in acute care services and is relied on by coders. Coders reported the benefit of inter-professional collaborative workshops, where nurses and coders shared their perspectives. Collaborative workshops had the potential to improve coders' knowledge of PI classification and clinicians' understanding of what information should be included when documenting PI in the medical notes. Our findings identified three methods of quality assurance were important to coders to ensure accuracy of PI reporting: (1) training prior to initiation of coding activity and (2) continued education, and (3) audit and feedback communication about how to handle specific complex cases and complex documentation. From a behavioral perspective, most of the coders reported confidence in their own abilities and were open to changes in coding standards. Transitioning from paper-based to electronic records highlighted the need to improve training of both clinicians and coders.

Clinician Knowledge of Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis: A Multisite Survey of Healthcare Professionals in Acute and Subacute Settings

PURPOSE

This study examined clinicians' knowledge of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) using the Barakat-Johnson Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Knowledge Tool (Know-IAD).

DESIGN

A cross-sectional multicenter survey.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

The setting was 6 hospitals across 5 health districts in New South Wales, Australia. The participants were nurses (registered nurses and enrolled nurses), physicians, allied health (occupational therapists, dietitians, and physiotherapists), and students (nursing and allied health).

METHODS

Data about IAD knowledge were collected from November 2019 to January 2020. The Know-IAD, an 18-item validated instrument that measures knowledge of IAD in 3 domains (etiology and risk, classification and diagnosis, and prevention and management), was administered to a cross section of eligible clinicians. The participants anonymously completed hard copy surveys. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were conducted to quantify clinicians' knowledge about the etiology and risk, classification and diagnosis, and prevention and management of IAD. A mean knowledge score of 70% was considered to be satisfactory.

RESULTS

Four hundred twelve respondents completed the survey. One hundred twenty nine respondents (31.3%) achieved 70% correct responses and greater for the entire set of items. For the etiology and risk domain, 348 respondents (84.5%) obtained a score of 70% correct responses and greater, 67 respondents (16.3%) achieved 70% correct responses and greater for the classification and diagnosis domain, and 84 respondents (20.4%) achieved 70% correct responses and greater for the prevention and management domain.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians tend to have low knowledge and recognition of IAD, particularly in the areas of classification and diagnosis along with prevention and management. They tend to have higher knowledge of how IAD is caused and the risk factors. This study has identified knowledge gaps for further education that can improve assessment, prevention, and management of IAD.

Development and Psychometric Testing of a Knowledge Instrument on Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis for Clinicians: The Know-IAD

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the development and evaluation of the psychometric properties of an instrument used to assess clinician knowledge of Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD).

DESIGN

The instrument was developed in three phases: Phase 1 involved item development; Phase 2 evaluated content validity of the instrument by surveying clinicians and stakeholders within a single state of Australia and, Phase 3 used a pilot multisite cross-sectional survey design to determine composite reliability and evaluate scores of the knowledge tool.

SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS

In Phase 1, the instrument was developed by five persons with clinical and research subject expertise in the area of IAD. In Phase 2, content validity was evaluated by a group of 13 clinicians (nurses, physicians, occupational therapists, dietitians, and physiotherapists) working in acute care across one Australian state, New South Wales, along with two consumer representatives. In Phase 3, clinicians, working across six hospitals in New South Wales and on wards with patients diagnosed with incontinence-associated dermatitis, participated in pilot-testing the instrument.

METHODS

During Phase 1, a group of local and international experts developed items for a draft tool based on an international consensus document, our prior research evaluating incontinence-associated dermatitis knowledge, and agreement among an expert panel of clinicians and researchers. Phase 2 used a survey design to determine content validity of the knowledge tool. Specifically, we calculated item- and scale-level content validity ratios and content validity indices for all questions within the draft instrument. Phase 3 comprised pilot-testing of the knowledge tool using a cross-sectional survey. Analysis involved confirmatory factor analysis to confirm the hypothesized model structure of the knowledge tool, as measured by model goodness-of-fit. Composite reliability testing was undertaken to determine the extent of internal consistency between constituent items of each construct.

RESULTS

During Phase 1, a draft version of the Barakat-Johnson Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis Knowledge tool (Know-IAD), comprising 19 items and divided into three domains of IAD-related knowledge: 1) Etiology and Risk, 2) Classification and Diagnosis, and 3) Prevention and Management was developed. In Phase 2, 18 of the 19 items demonstrated high scale content validity ratios scores on relevance (0.75) and clarity (0.82); and high scale-content validity indices scores on relevance (0.87) and clarity (0.91). In Phase 3, the final 18-item Know-IAD tool demonstrated construct validity by a model goodness-of-fit. Construct validity was excellent for the Etiology and Risk domain (root mean squared error=0.02) and Prevention and Management domain (root mean squared error=0.02); it was good for the Classification and Diagnosis domain (root mean squared error=0.04). Composite reliability (CR) was good in the Etiology and Risk domain (CR=0.76), Prevention and Management domains (CR=0.75), and adequate in the Classification and Diagnosis domain (CR=0.64). Respondents had good understanding of etiology and risk (72.6% correct responses); fairly good understanding of prevention and management of IAD (64.0% correct responses) and moderate understanding of classification and diagnosis (40.2% correct responses).

CONCLUSIONS

The Know-IAD demonstrated good psychometric properties and provides preliminary evidence that it can be applied to evaluate clinician knowledge on IAD.

Reporting of pressure ulcers and medical device related pressure ulcers in policy and practice: A narrative literature review

Pressure ulcers (PUs) occur in a range of care settings, resulting in reduced quality of life for the individual. There has been a growing awareness that medical devices can cause PUs, although reporting has been limited. There is a need to evaluate PU reporting practice and identify whether standards exist for medical device-related pressure ulcers (MDRPUs).

AIM

To synthesize academic and grey literature relevant to reporting of PUs and MDRPUs in healthcare settings.

METHODS

A systematic search of multiple scientific and grey literature databases was undertaken. Key search terms and Boolean operators were used to identify relevant literature. All sources of evidence discussing reporting practices were included in a synthesis. Primary topics are discussed in the corresponding analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-one evidence sources met the inclusion criteria, including 16 journal articles and 15 policy and guidance documents. The results revealed a variation in reporting practices. MDRPUs were often not identified as a separate category in local and national systems. Policies for related patient safety reporting varied across all organisational levels, with more serious categories of PUs reported more consistently. Reporting to medical device regulatory bodies was not mandatory.

CONCLUSION

This narrative review identified inconsistencies in local and national reporting of PUs and MDRPUs, prohibiting meaningful comparisons and improvements in patient safety. Lack of specific medical device data and low levels of voluntary reporting to regulatory bodies is likely to result in an under-reporting, with little evidence of specific devices which may be a patient safety concern.

Pressure Injury Surveillance and Prevention in Australia: Monash Partners Capacity Building Framework

A hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) is a common complication across the globe. The severity of HAPI ranges from skin redness and no skin breakdown to full skin and tissue loss, exposing the tendons and bones. HAPI can significantly impact the quality of life. In addition to the human cost, this injury carries a high economic burden with the cost of treatment far outweighing the preventative measures. The HAPI rates are a key indicator of health services performance. Globally, healthcare services aim to reduce its incidence. In Australia, the federal health minister has prioritised the need for improvement in HAPI surveillance and prevention. Capacity building is vital to optimise pressure injury (PI) surveillance and prevention in acute care services. In this perspective article, we provide a framework for capacity building to optimise HAPI prevention and surveillance in a large cross-sector collaborative partnership in Australia. This framework comprises six key action areas in capacity building to optimise the HAPI outcomes, such as research, organisational development, workforce development, leadership, collaboration, and consumer involvement.

The Effectiveness of Care Bundles Including the Braden Scale for Preventing Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers in Older Adults Hospitalized in ICUs: A Systematic Review

Background:

Despite technological and scientific advances, Hospital Acquired Pressure Ulcers (HAPUs) remain a common, expensive, but preventable adverse event. The global prevalence ranges from 9% to 53% while three million people develop HAPUs in the United States and 60,000 people die from associated complications. HAPU prevalence is reported as high as 42% in ICUs (ICU) costing on average $48,000 to clinically manage.

Objective:

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-component interventions (care bundles), incorporating the Braden scale for assessment, in reducing the prevalence of HAPUs in older adults hospitalized in ICUs.

Methods:

This was a systematic review of the literature using the Cochrane method. A systematic search was performed in six databases (CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, JBI Evidence-Based Practice Database, PubMed, and ProQuest) from January 2012 until December 2018. Bias was assessed with the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Checklist, and the quality of evidence was evaluated with the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses Levels of Evidence.

Results:

The search identified 453 studies for evaluation; 9 studies were reviewed. From the analysis, pressure ulcer prevention programs incorporated three strategies: 1) Evidence-based care bundles with risk assessments upon admission to the ICU; 2) Unit-based skincare expertise; and 3) Staff education with auditing feedback. Common clinical management processes included in the care bundles were frequent risk reassessments, daily skin inspections, moisture removal treatments, nutritional and hydration support, offloading pressure techniques, and protective surface protocols. The Braden scale was an effective risk assessment for the ICU. Through early risk identification and preventative strategies, HAPU programs resulted in prevalence reduction, less severe ulcers, and reduced care costs.

Conclusion:

Older adults hospitalized in the ICU are most vulnerable to developing HAPUs. Early and accurate identification of risk factors for pressure is essential for prevention. Care bundles with three to five evidence-based interventions, and risk assessment with the Braden scale, were effective in preventing HAPUs in older adults hospitalized in intensive care settings. Higher quality evidence is essential to better understanding the impact of HAPU prevention programs using care bundles with risk assessments on patient outcomes and financial results.

What is the incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries in adults within the acute hospital setting? A systematic review

Medical devices provide effective therapeutic care for patients. However, medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPI) are caused by prolonged pressure or shear from a medical device on any location on the body, including mucosal cavities. The primary outcome of this quantitative systematic review was to identify the incidence of MDRPIs in adults within the acute hospital setting. Secondary outcomes include grading, anatomical location and devices that caused such injuries. Electronic databases (CINAHL Plus with Full Text, MEDLINE, EBSCO Host, Health Business Elite Web of Science, PsychINFO, Google Scholar, and Research Gate) were searched for all potential primary studies between November 2019-January 2020. Studies were refined to the English language only, had no time limit from publication, and had to include participants over the age of 18 years with an MDRPI in the acute hospital setting and 720 potential primary studies were identified. Fourteen articles were identified that matched the predefined criteria and were included in the review. All included studies were critically appraised using the evidence-based librarianship critical appraisal tool and data analysis and narrative synthesis were completed. The incidence of MDRPIs in adults within the acute care setting was 28.1% (SD: 29.1%, min: 1.14%, max: 100%). 71.3% of studies documented anatomical locations of MDRPIs, 36.2% included grading of MDRIs, and 71.4% studies documented the offending medical devices. The mean quality appraisal percentage of all included studies was 76.67% (SD: 4.61%; min: 66.6%, max: 83.3%). Despite the heterogeneity of the studies, the review has identified that MDRPIs are prevalent among individuals cared for within the acute hospital setting. Thus, given the morbidity associated with these wounds, it is important to develop strategies to reduce the scope of this problem.

Implementing best available evidence into practice for incontinence-associated dermatitis in Australia: A multisite multimethod study protocol

AIMS

Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is an insidious and under-reported hospital-acquired complication which substantially impacts on patients' quality of life. A published international guideline and the Ghent Global IAD Categorisation Tool (GLOBIAD) outline the best available evidence for the optimal management of IAD. This study aims to implement theguideline and the GLOBIAD tool and evaluate the effect on IAD occurrences and sacral pressure injuries as well as patient, clinician and cost-effectiveness outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study will employ a multi-method design across six hospitals in five health districts in Australia, and will be conducted in three phases (pre-implementation, implementation and post-implementation) over 19 months. Data collection will involve IAD and pressure injury prevalence audits for patient hospital admissions, focus groups with, and surveys of, clinicians, patient interviews, and collection of the cost of IAD hospital care and patient-related outcomes including quality of life. Eligible participants will be hospitalised adults over 18 years of age experiencing incontinence, and clinicians working in the study wards will be invited to participate in focus groups and surveys.

CONCLUSION

The implementation of health district-wide evidence-based practices for IAD using a translational research approach that engages key stakeholders will allow the standardisation of IAD care that can potentially be applicable to a range of settings. Knowledge gained will inform future practice change in patient care and health service delivery and improve the quality of care for patients with IAD. Support at the hospital, state and national levels, coupled with a refined stakeholder-inclusive strategy, will enhance this project's success, sustainability and scalability beyond this existing project.

Is Moulage effective in improving clinical skills of nursing students for the assessment of pressure injury?

BACKGROUND

In wound care simulations, the practice can be performed on 3D-wounds formed by moulage. Moulage helps the student to perceive the etiology, physiology, and healing processes of the wound, and it can also be used to improve the students' wound assessment skills.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of moulage in the improvement of pressure injury assessment skills of nursing students.

DESIGN

A quasi-experimental study.

SETTINGS

A nursing faculty at a public university.

PARTICIPANTS

All fourth-year students (n = 73) who take the simulation elective course were invited to participate.

METHODS

Fall semester students (n = 38) constituted the control group and spring semester students (n = 35) formed the intervention group. The coin-flipping method was used to match the education period and student groups. The intervention group simulation was performed using moulage, and the control group simulation was performed using a pressure ulcer visuals. The same simulation scenarios were used for both groups. The data were collected using the Simulation Design Scale, Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence Scale, and student identification form, knowledge test, performance checklist and feedback form developed by the researchers.

RESULTS

Students' knowledge scores for pressure injury assessment have improved significantly in both the intervention group (pre-test:61.71 ± 9.77 and post-test 70.57 ± 12.53, t = -4.27, p < 0.001) and the control group (pre-test: 66.81 ± 13.47 and post-test 73.06 ± 15.50, t = -2.34, p = 0.02). Laboratory and clinical pressure injury assessment skill scores of the intervention group students were significantly higher than the control group. Besides, the correct staging percentages of the intervention group students are higher than the control group students during the clinical practice (χ2 = 5.05, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

It can be concluded that the simulation with moulage was effective in improving the skills of nursing students who received training for pressure injury assessment and in transferring what they learned to the clinical setting.

Development and validation of the incontinence associated dermatitis knowledge, attitude and practice questionnaire

AIM

This study aimed to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Incontinence-associated Dermatitis Questionnaire (KAP-IAD-Q) for Nurses.

METHODS

A psychometric validation design was employed. Phase I of the study entailed the development of items through an extensive literature review and a double Delphi procedure with 11 experts specialised in wound, ostomy and continence to examine content validity of the KAP-IAD-Q. Phase II involved administering the KAP-IAD-Q to a convenience sample of 263 Registered Nurses from a public hospital in Singapore to evaluate its construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

The instrument showed acceptable content validity (S-CVI = 0.85). Exploratory factor analysis showed all 22 items demonstrated strong factor loadings >0.4 and the four factors KAP-IAD-Q explained 58.1% of total variance. The four factors were☹1) knowledge om IAD aetiology and identification, (2) knowledge on IAD risk factors; (3) attitudes, and (4) practices. The overall internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.913). The KAP-IAD-Q showed good overall test-retest reliability as well (ICC = 0.89 (95% CI 0.69-0.96, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The KAP-IAD-Q demonstrated good psychometric properties and is effective in measuring levels of IAD-related KAP among nurses. Further confirmation of the proposed factor structure is recommended. Future research should explore determinants of nurses' KAP and associations between IAD knowledge, attitudes and practices.

Neonatal skin assessments and injuries: Nomenclature, workplace culture and clinical opinions-Method triangulation a qualitative study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To explore and establish the language, clinical opinions and workplace culture around neonatal skin injury nomenclature. Specifically, what nomenclature is used to describe, define, identity and communicate neonatal skin injuries including (a) terms, (b) locations, (c) associated risks and (d) mechanical forces.

BACKGROUND

Skin injuries are affirmed or denied based on visual assessment with findings reported by language rather than measurements. However, if language or nomenclature is ambiguous, assessments could be misinterpreted effecting healthcare delivery.

DESIGN

Qualitative enquiry including applied discourse analysis and between-method triangulation, within a larger exploratory mixed-methods study.

METHODS

Data were collected over two years from four sources: literature, documents, interviews/focus groups and free text injury assessments. Data analysis included content analysis, selective coding and thematic analysis. The collective data were further explored using discourse analysis and triangulation to achieve collective conclusions about opinions, emotions, feelings, perceptions and workplace cultures. The COREQ checklist provided structure for the reporting of study methods, analysis and findings.

RESULTS

A total of 427 data points were collected from literature, documentation and two clinical data sources. Data convergence revealed that neonatal skin injuries are described by numerous terms with preferences for "injury," "trauma" or "redness." Injuries occur in over 20 anatomical locations and risks for injuries included hospitalisation, specific treatments and prematurity. Essential medical devices, clinical condition, lack of clinician experience and overactive neonates were uniquely associated risks. There was incongruency between sources. The literature and documents empathise pressure as the primary force related to skin injury, while varied forces were identified within interviews, focus groups and free text injury assessments.

CONCLUSIONS

The variety of unique terms, locations and risks for injury indicate the need for updated neonatal skin injury frameworks. If frameworks and policies continue to be created without the empirical knowledge of neonatal clinicians, misrepresentation of neonatal skin injury locations and risk will continue to dominate the literature.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The recognition and management of neonatal skin injuries are related to language used to describe assessments in the absence of diagnostic confirmation, which has implications for both the neonate and the healthcare team.

Systemwide Practice Change Program to Combat Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries: Translating Knowledge Into Practice

BACKGROUND

Considerable evidence exists on how to prevent hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs). However, processes employed to implement evidence play a significant role in influencing outcomes.

PROBLEM

One Australian health district experienced a substantial increase in HAPIs over a 5-year period (by almost 60%) that required a systemwide practice change.

APPROACH

This article reports on the people, processes, and learnings from using the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARiHS) framework taking into account the evidence, context, and facilitation to address HAPIs.

OUTCOMES

Applying this approach resulted in a significant decrease in pressure injuries and positive practice change, leading to improved patient outcomes in a shorter time frame than previous strategies.

CONCLUSION

Processes guided by the PARiHS enhanced the effectiveness of translating evidence into practice and positively assisted clinicians to promote optimal patient care. This approach is transferrable to other health care settings.

Evaluation of a fluidised positioner to reduce occipital pressure injuries in intensive care patients: A pilot study

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and feasibility of a fluidised positioning device to reduce occipital pressure injuries (PIs). A post-test design with a historical control group was used in a 54-bed intensive care unit between September 2017 and August 2018. Patients who were receiving either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, were mechanically ventilated, or had raised intracranial pressure (≥20) were recruited. The intervention consisted of a fluidised positioning device under the patient's head, and a skin assessment every 8 h. Outcome measures included the occurrence of occipital PIs and registered nurses (RNs)' perspectives of the intervention. Data collected from patients in the intervention group were compared with data obtained from the historical control group between May 2016 and April 2017. Sixty-four patients were recruited in the intervention phase and 63 were in the historical control group. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in occipital PIs by 87.7% (16/63; 25.4% historical control vs 2/64; 3.13% interventional group). Bedside RNs provided positive evaluation of the fluidised positioning device. The findings demonstrate that the fluidised positioning device is a feasible and effective intervention in reducing the risk of occipital PIs in intensive care patients, which merits the continuation of use and further evaluation through a larger-scale study.