Driving Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries to Zero: A Quality Improvement Project

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To implement a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach to reducing hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) through nurse empowerment and engagement. METHODS This quality improvement project was conducted at a 288-bed community hospital. The Donabedian model was used to design this intervention. The authors used a collaborative, interdisciplinary team approach for pressure injury prevention and management, utilizing nurse empowerment and engagement as driving forces to reduce HAPI rates. RESULTS The incidence of HAPI decreased from a peak of 5.30% in April 2019 down to 0% from August 2019 to December 2020. CONCLUSIONS Pressure injuries are key quality indicators for patient safety and avoidance of patient harm. Through nurse empowerment and engagement, HAPIs were avoided, resulting in improved quality care outcomes and maintenance of a safe patient environment.