QI WEEK 4 POST REPLY

PDSA Case Study

Post Discussion Reply week 4

Requirement ( one resource)

Hello Class!

One necessary change that should be implemented is the regular turning and repositioning of patients every two hours. The primary cause of pressure injuries is inadequate repositioning of patients, leading to prolonged pressure on specific areas. Extended periods in a single position can result in the development of pressure sores, which can become infected and lead to severe health complications. By implementing a system of turning and repositioning patients every two hours, we can effectively prevent pressure injuries from occurring. Other changes that could be considered include increasing the amount of time patients spend out of bed, providing better support for patients when they are sitting, and utilizing pressure-reducing mattresses. However, among these changes, the most crucial one is the consistent turning and repositioning of patients to significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries.

The expected outcome of implementing these changes is the complete elimination of pressure injuries within the next month. The overall goal is to reduce the occurrence of pressure injuries in long-term care facilities. By prioritizing the turning and repositioning of patients every two hours, we aim to minimize the amount of time they spend in a fixed position, subsequently reducing the risk of developing pressure injuries (Avsar et al., 2020). It is important to acknowledge that this change will not entirely eliminate the possibility of pressure injuries. Nevertheless, it is anticipated to significantly decrease their incidence by addressing the issue of prolonged immobility.

The implementation and evaluation of the change will involve the collaboration of the Quality Improvement (QI) committee and the staff members at the long-term care facility. The QI committee will assume the responsibility of overseeing the proper implementation and effectiveness of the change. On the other hand, the facility's staff will be directly involved in physically turning and repositioning the patients on their beds. It is crucial that the staff members receive comprehensive training on the correct techniques for turning and repositioning patients to ensure optimal outcomes (Clark, 1998). Additionally, the QI committee should diligently monitor and assess the impact of the change to ensure that no pressure injuries arise as a result. It is important to closely track and evaluate the consequences of the implemented alteration, allowing for adjustments and improvements to be made if necessary. This collaborative effort between the QI committee and the facility's staff aims to successfully implement the change and maintain a safe and pressure injury-free environment for the patient.

                                                     References

Avsar, P., Moore, Z., Patton, D., O'Connor, T., Budri, A. M., & Nugent, L. (2020). Repositioning for preventing pressure ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of wound care, 29(9), 496-508.

Clark, M. (1998). Repositioning to prevent pressure sores--what is the evidence?. Nursing Standard (through 2013), 13(3), 58