A Pressure Injury Prevention (PIP) Quality Improvement Pilot Of Sub-Epidermal Moisture Scanning In Acute Care
DOI: 10.56885/ZDJE4034
By Marlene Varga MSc BScN, Misha Jadoo BScN, Sebastien Normandin BHK ARJO and Jacqueline Brayshaw BN RN
Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Sub-epidermal Moisture (SEM) assessments, in conjunction with risk and skin assessments, on facility acquired pressure injuries and the current standard of care: pilot. One 33-bed acute care Medicine unit was purposefully selected to participate in the six-week pilot based on availability of baseline data, a structured pressure injury prevention team, and leadership approval. SEM assessments were completed, in conjunction with risk and skin assessments, based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. SEM assessment enhanced early and anatomy specific interventions and reduced facility-acquired pressure injuries by 100%. The addition of SEM contributed to higher quality care and an estimated annual cost savings of $426,903 Canadian dollars.