Use of Medical Devices in Hospitalized Patients and the Development of Pressure Ulcers [Poster]

Abstract

The National Quality Forum lists stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers acquired after admission to a healthcare facility as a serious reportable event, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) have eliminated reimbursement for such events, placing nurses under heightened pressure to prevent the occurrence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers. The purpose of this evidence based practice research project is to determine if the use of medical devices increases the risk of pressure ulcer formation in hospitalized adults. A literature search was conducted of available articles using keywords: “ulcer”, “device”, “pressure”, “skin” and “related” in different combinations. While a large amount of research was found on reducing pressure ulcer occurrence, little research was identified regarding the relationship between medical devices and pressure ulcer formation. Upon analysis of the available research it appears that device related pressure ulcers are a very real problem, but early preventive measures can reduce their incidence substantially. Further research is needed regarding the effect of medical devices on the development of pressure ulcers. [Poster]