A Decade of Progress: Strategies to Reduce the Number of Hospital-acquired Pressure Ulcers

The reduction of HAPU has been a focus for 10 years at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Over that time, rates have decreased from 17 percent to 6-7 percent but practices were inconsistent. An administrative sanctioned Six Sigma project was targeted to reduce HAPU to 3 percent or less. Work continued until a new goal of 1 percent or less was set. Success was achieved by implementing pre-packaged skin care kits, changes to the electronic medical record, white boards in patient rooms, development of a patient/family educational tool and unit-based skin champions. In addition, the wound ostomy and continence department was strengthened.

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This case study is part of the Illinois Hospital Association's annual quality awards. Each year, IHA recognizes and celebrates the achievements of Illinois hospitals in continually improving and transforming health care in the state. These hospitals are improving health by striving to achieve the Triple Aim--improving the patient experience of care (including quality and satisfaction); improving the health of populations; and reducing the per capita cost of health care.

Award recipients achieve measurable and meaningful progress in providing care that is:

• Safe
• Timely
• Effective
• Efficient
• Equitable
• Patient-centered

(The Institute of Medicine's six aims for improvement.)