Primaris Pressure Ulcer Tips of the Month

Primaris has re-launched our a Pressure Ulcer Tips of the Month to find pointers to help fight and prevent pressure ulcers in your nursing home. Look to this space for updates on this successful education campaign, originally published in 2009.

Below we've listed only the first few paragraphs of each tip. Click on the tip title to read the full article.

Tip 8: PUP Begs for Communication

More than three in 20 people – between 17 and 35 percent – are admitted to a nursing home with a pressure ulcer. There’s a reason for this: When people transfer from one care setting to another, it’s likely because they are getting sicker and need additional care.

A good way to start doing this is to communicate with caregivers from the place where the resident last stayed. Information from residents’ last care setting is essential when developing an appropriate plan of care.

February 21, 2013

Tip 7: PUP Needs Water

It’s not always obvious whether a resident is thirsty, but proper hydration is important when it comes to preventing and treating pressure ulcers. Our body needs plenty of fluids for our blood to carry vital oxygen and other nutrients to the cells.

January 16, 2013

Tip 6: PUP on the Move

Editor's note: This tip was originally published in July 2009. It has been updated with the latest clinical information and online resources.

As you read this article, focus on how many times you move your body. Think of how many times you move around during a meeting or while sitting through a movie.

Now imagine what it would feel like if you could not move. Can you feel the discomfort and pressure?

Relieving pressure is the most important thing we can do to prevent pressure ulcers. Caregivers can do a lot to help reposition, even with basic supplies like pillows.

December 31, 2012

Tip 5: PUP Digs Consistent Assignment

Editor's note: This tip was originally published in May 2009. It has been updated with the latest clinical information and online resources.

Consistent assignment of caregivers in nursing homes can help prevent pressure ulcers. Inspecting residents' skin regularly -- checking for any changes -- is vital in making sure skin stays intact and pressure ulcers do not develop. Caregivers who are more familiar with residents are more likely to notice even subtle changes in the skin. Consistent assignment paves the way toward this familiarity.

In the Consistent Assignment model, residents see the same caregivers (nurses, med techs, and nursing assistants) at least 85% of the time. Because staff see residents more frequently, subtle changes in the skin are more likely to be noticed and reported. Caregivers are more likely to catch small changes, like Stage 1 pressure ulcer formation, before they worsen.

November 19, 2012

Tip 4: PUP Attacks F314

Editor's note: The following tip was originally published in March 2009. The following version has been updated to the latest clinical standards.

F314 is the federal regulation dealing with pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. It's intended to require that residents do not acquire a pressure ulcer unless it is clinically unavoidable. It also requires homes to appropriately treat pressure ulcers already present. Compliance requires a comprehensive system or program addressing both prevention and treatment.

October 18, 2012

Tip 3: PUP Hunts Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coding

Editor's note: This tip was originally published in April 2009. It has been updated with the lastest information on quality-reporting.

Accurately coding the Minimum Data Set (MDS) is important. It affects you and the facility in many ways:

Most importantly, these data helps develop individualized care plans for residents.
The data feeds the Quality Measure (QM) report -- your best tool to compare your home's rates to others in our state and across the nation and to identify areas for performance improvement project activities.
Quality data reporting drives your Medicare Part A reimbursement.
Surveyors review your MDS data before visiting your home.
Finally, these data feed the Nursing Home Compare website and your 5 star rating, both of which are publicly available and used by families deciding on a nursing home.

September 19, 2012

Tip 2: Skin Monitoring - It Only Takes a Minute

Catching the early signs of a pressure ulcer can help you prevent them from forming. Training all your staff to watch for these signs and report them quickly is critical.

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are your home’s front-line defense against pressure ulcer formation. Praise and reward CNAs when they report changes to the person’s skin such as: bruising, tears, rashes, swelling, excessive dryness or abnormal temperature.

Bath time is a perfect opportunity for staff to evaluate a resident’s skin. Conduct short training sessions that will provide them with the information they need. Require them to use the Comprehensive CNA Shower Review form on every resident. Laminate and post this tool in the shower area as a reminder.

Caregivers can also check for warning signs of pressure ulcers every time a resident is assisted with activities of daily living (ADLs).

August 22, 2012

Tip 1: PUP Takes on Pressure Ulcers - Assessing Risk Saves Money and Skin

Editor's note: MO LANE is resuming its monthly pressure-ulcer tip service. The following tip originally appeared in January 2009, and has been updated with current information.

Pressure ulcers hurt everyone. More than one in twenty Missouri nursing homes residents develop pressure ulcers which cause pain and suffering. For nursing homes, the extra staff hours and medical supplies come at a time when money could be spent in other areas. Most crucial to pressure ulcer prevention is the consistent use of a standardized risk assessment tool such as the Braden or Norton. The Braden tool is available at www.bradenscale.com or a shortened version at www.primaris.org/node/740 under the pressure ulcer topic.

July 30, 2012