Implementing Evidence-Based Pressure Injury Prevention Interventions: Veterans Health Administration Quality Improvement Collaborative.

Abstract

Pressure injury prevention is a persistent concern in nursing. The Veterans Health Administration implemented a creative approach with successful outcomes across the United States. Pressure injury prevention is a measure of nursing quality of care and a high priority in the Veterans Health Administration. A 12-month Virtual Breakthrough Series Collaborative utilizing coaching and group calls was conducted to assist long-term and acute care teams with preventing pressure injuries. Interventions from the Veterans Health Administration Skin Bundle were implemented, including pressure-relieving surfaces, novel turning techniques, specialized dressings, and emollients to prevent skin breakdown. The aggregated pressure injury rate for all teams decreased from Prework to the Action phase from 1.0 to 0.8 per 1000 bed days of care (P = .01). The aggregated pressure injury rates for long-term care units decreased from Prework to Continuous Improvement from 0.8 to 0.4 per 1000 bed days of care (P = .021). The Virtual Breakthrough Series helped reduce pressure injuries.