585 Preventing Occipital Pressure Injuries in Patients Admitted to the Burn ICU

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Occipital pressure injuries (OPI) are categorized as pressure injuries on the occipital bone caused by pressure, shearing, or friction. Patients with significant burns are at a greater risk of developing these types of injuries due to increased fluid volume from resuscitation, decreased tissue perfusion, immobility, edema and length of stay. The rate of OPI in the BICU was 4.3 in 2016; this led to a comprehensive program to reduce/eliminate these injuries. Methods Early identification of at-risk patients and implementation of prevention strategies was conducted. Best practices were reviewed and the following interventions were put into place: on admission, all patients with facial burns, (intubated or not), were given a small size fluidized positioner pillow. The pillow was to be positioned with a defined divot in the center and not flattened (which is the way they were currently being utilized). The fluidized pillow must go into the hydrotherapy room with the patient and the patient’s head turned and repositioned every 2 hours. The use of a moisture-wicking fabric was utilized over the fluidized positioner pillow to prevent maceration. Nursing staff and burn technicians were educated as to practice changes; wound care nurses were available for educational support. In addition, in 2017, the Burn ICU instituted a 2 RN skin check daily for all patients in the hydrotherapy room once all dressings were removed. This tank room “time out” was instituted for early identification of areas of potential skin breakdown. Results Implementation of these protocols has significantly decreased the occurrence of OPI in the BICU. Since implementation, the rate of OPI in 2017, 2018 and Q1 and Q2 of 2019 has been 0%. The application of the fluidized positioner pillow, tank room “time-out” and staff education has greatly decreased the occurrence of OPI in the BICU. Conclusions Patients sustaining large surface area burns and/or full-thickness burns to the head and neck are susceptible to the development of OPI. The utilization of a fluidized positioner pillow in conjunction with improved assessment and identification using a 2 RN “time out” skin assessment daily, has led to a decrease in OPI in our BICU. Applicability of Research to Practice The utilization of the fluidized positioner pillow in conjunction with the described interventions can lead to a decrease in occipital HAPI and improve patient outcomes.