Pressure Ulcer Prevention
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QI 1: ASSESS FOR PREVENTION NEEDS
The first one is a bit cryptic, but what it means is that, for any at-risk resident (remember: we defined "risk" in Step 1), you need to assess--and document--whether the resident needs any of three possible interventions:
- regular repositioning--recommended for residents who are unable to reposition themselves (we discuss this in more detail a bit later)
- a nutritional consultation and possibly enhanced feeding assistance to improve food and fluid intake--recommended for residents who are under-nourished or at-risk for it. Our training module on weight loss prevention includes instructions and validated protocols for assessing weight loss risk as well as food and fluid intake.
- use of pressure reduction surfaces on beds and chairs--recommended for all at-risk residents, unless intolerance or lack of need is noted. Pressure reduction surfaces include low air loss beds and foam, air, or gel wheelchair and mattress overlays.
Note that this QI does not recommend automatic implementation of each prevention strategy for every at-risk resident. Each should only be provided to those residents who need it, based on objective, ideally validated, assessment criteria.
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