Authors

  1. Dobbs, Nancy Ann BS, RN, CWOCN
  2. Spanbauer, Pam MEd, BSN, RN
  3. Datz, David MBA

Abstract

In the spring of 2002, the nurses working in a 300-bed Midwest care center embarked on a mission to decrease patient suffering from skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. A continuous automated pressure ulcer monitoring system was developed to improve decision making and identify educational needs. As a result, the nurses have changed the skin culture of the facility and positively affected the rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and non-pressure-related breakdown.