2023 Resolutions: It’s time to revamp your pressure injury prevention programs

Abstract

The success of any quality improvement project begins with acknowledging problems, defining and addressing each issue in detail, and setting goals. In the case of pressure injuries, the answer is fairly simple. Reduce the number of pressure injuries. Yet, the process yielding a “means to the end” is quite complex. It not only requires a team of interdisciplinary healthcare providers and leaders to ensure success; it requires continuous effort. The intention of this article is to highlight the importance of a comprehensive Pressure Injury Prevention (PIP) program and offer guidance based on evidence. Utilizing an organized framework for planning will help healthcare providers ensure all critical steps are completed. The Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol (SPIPP) provides detail surrounding the necessary steps toward compliance with best practice guidelines. A comprehensive checklist provided within the SPIPP article is designed to discuss specific details of the PIP program. The author of this article offers a broader framework and checklist, The Pressure Injury Prevention Implementation Checklist (PIPIC) based on blending several quality improvement methodologies. Challenges associated with pressure injuries continue to affect the lives of both patients and caregivers. Entering a new year, new month, or even new day brings the opportunity for change and improvement. Revamping a PIP program requires careful thought, planning, and dedication, but it is not insurmountable. Organizing a team to address the issues and approach the task with an organized, evidence-based plan will improve the overall PIP program success.