The outcome and challenges of application of pressure ulcer prevention project in king Fahad Hospital Jeddah – 2023

Abstract

Background: A pressure ulcer (PU), also known as bedsore, pressure injury, or decubitus ulcer, is a localized injury brought on by sustained pressure applied to the skin and underlying soft tissue over an extended length of time.

Aim: This study aimed to identify the outcome and challenges of the application of pressure ulcer prevention project.

Methodology: This is a retrospective hospital-based study, which monitored the pressure ulcer prevention project's (PUPP) results from 2019 to 2021 for 3 years. Data on 21400 patients were gathered from several departments of a hospital in the northern region of Saudi Arabia. The project's main goals were the installation of a wound care team, hospital staff education, ongoing data monitoring, and follow-up visits for inpatient units.

Results: This current study showed that the pressure ulcer prevention project was successful showing a statistically significant reduction of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) from 1.97% in 2018 to 1.4% in 2019 to 0.53% in 2020 to 0.14% in 2021. 

Conclusion: The research concluded the percentage of cases of pressure ulcers was successfully decreased by the PUPP. The project can be expanded and carried out in additional hospitals.