Implementation of a program last year helped Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers by 30 percent, according to a hospital news release.
For the program, a multidisciplinary team started established interventions reduce the risk of patients getting a pressure ulcer. Those interventions include the following:
• Incorporating new, gel-based padding on the operating tables.
• Checking patients' skin under every device and repositioning patients on a frequent basis.
• Improving patient nutrition during their stay.
• Conducting research to determine if prophylactic dressings placed on certain pressure points would help in prevention.
• Utilizing a wound care nurse before any "danger signs" become worse.
For the program, a multidisciplinary team started established interventions reduce the risk of patients getting a pressure ulcer. Those interventions include the following:
• Incorporating new, gel-based padding on the operating tables.
• Checking patients' skin under every device and repositioning patients on a frequent basis.
• Improving patient nutrition during their stay.
• Conducting research to determine if prophylactic dressings placed on certain pressure points would help in prevention.
• Utilizing a wound care nurse before any "danger signs" become worse.
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