Implementation of Pressure Injury Prevention Best Practices Across 6 Canadian Rehabilitation Sites: Results From the Spinal Cord Injury Knowledge Mobilization Network

Abstract

ObjectiveTo use the theoretical frameworks of implementation science to implement pressure injury (PI) prevention best practices in spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation. DesignQuality improvement. SettingSix Canadian SCI rehabilitation centers. ParticipantsInpatients (N=2371) admitted from 2011 to 2015. InterventionsThe SCI Knowledge Mobilization Network (SCI KMN) selected and implemented 2 PI prevention best practices at 6 Canadian SCI rehabilitation centers: (1) completing a comprehensive PI risk assessment comprised of a structured risk assessment instrument followed by an individualized, interprofessional risk factor determination and prevention plan; and (2) providing structured and individualized PI prevention patient education. Active Implementation Frameworks provided a systematic approach to best practice implementation. Main Outcome MeasuresImplementation indicators (completion rates) and patient outcomes (PI incidence, patient education survey). ResultsAfter implementation, risk assessment completion rates improved from 46% to 94% (P<.05). Between initial (2012-2013) and full (2014-2015) implementation stages, completion rates improved for both interprofessional risk factor determination (67% to 96%) and prevention plans (67% to 94%). Documentation of patient education also increased to 86% (vs. 71% preimplementation). At rehabilitation admission 22% of patients had PIs, with 14% of individuals developing new PIs during rehabilitation. The overall PI prevalence was 30%. Considering only PIs of stage 2 or greater, prevalence was 21% and incidence 7%. There were no statistically significant differences in PI incidence between pre- and postimplementation. Patient education surveys indicated that PI education improved patients’ knowledge of prevention strategies. ConclusionsActive Implementation Frameworks supported successful implementation of PI prevention best practices across the 6 participating SCI KMN sites. Achieving a reduction in PI incidence will require additional measures, and there is an ongoing need to strengthen the evidence base underpinning PI prevention guidelines.