Healthcare Facilities Can Reduce Severity And Incidence Of Pressure Ulcers, ECRI Says In New Report

November 29, 2006 – 3:08 pm | posted in Dermatology

Pressure ulcers are a challenge for all healthcare facilities. These painful skin wounds pose the risk of deadly infection. Immobile patients have a 100% chance of developing pressure ulcers, and individuals with pressure ulcers have up to six times as great a risk of death than patients who do not develop pressure ulcers. Although pressure ulcers are not always preventable, healthcare facilities can take steps to reduce their severity and incidence, according to ECRI, a nonprofit health services agency.

In a November 2006 report, ECRI’s risk management analysts provide pressure ulcer prevention recommendations for healthcare risk managers and nursing staff. For example, caregivers must be taught not only to spot early signs of skin breakdown but also to report these signs. Other recommendations address implementing a patient risk assessment plan, training staff on patient lifting and repositioning, and keeping up with patient care standards for pressure ulcer prevention.

This 37-page report also includes sample policies, a decision-making guide for purchasing high-tech beds and mattress overlays, and other tools to help healthcare professionals prevent pressure ulcers.

Current members of ECRI’s Healthcare Risk Control (HRC) System received the Risk Analysis “Pressure Ulcers” in their November mailing. Nonmembers can purchase the report for $75.

The HRC System is a comprehensive resource that covers many risk exposures for risk managers and patient safety officers involved in all areas of healthcare, from hospitals and health systems to managed care organizations and integrated delivery systems. ECRI has nearly 40 years of experience advising healthcare organizations on reducing liability exposure and providing quality healthcare.

To purchase “Pressure Ulcers,” or for more information about becoming a member of the HRC System, contact Sharon Murphy by e-mail at smurphy@ecri.org; by telephone at (610) 825-6000, ext. 5145; by mail at ECRI, 5200 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462-1298, USA; or by fax at (610) 834-1275.

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