Preventing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries: A Comprehensive Review of Evidence-Based Quality Improvement Initiatives in the Hospital Setting

Abstract

Background: – Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) remain a costly yet preventable threat to patient safety and quality of care. Evidence-based prevention strategies are essential to reduce incidence and support institutional goals. Objective: – The purpose of this review was to synthesize evidence-based quality improvement interventions to prevent nondevice-related HAPIs in US hospital settings. Methods: – Using the Whittemore and Knafl integrative review framework, a systematic search of 4 databases identified studies published between 2015 and 2023. Of 178 records screened, 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was appraised using the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set. Results: – Interventions were clustered into 4 categories: turn teams, documentation enhancements, protocol strategies, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Conclusion: – HAPI prevention requires coordinated, system-level, interprofessional interventions with engaged leadership, and future research should emphasize sustainability, scalability, and fidelity using standardized quality improvement reporting frameworks.