Comparing Interventions for Preventing Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPIs)

Prevention of hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) is an ongoing battle healthcare professional encounter every day. HAPIs can be costly to hospitals and interfere with the recovery time of the patient. This study seeks to compare two current practices of HAPI prevention on an adult inpatient unit: Q2 turning/padding body prominences alone and supplemental use of a static air mattress overlay (Waffle Overlay). The unit under investigation has documented three HAPIs in a one-month period, which was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’. Research showcases the high incidence and costliness of HAPIs as proof of the ongoing problem. Q2 turning and padding of bony prominences are considered a standard practice of prevention. The Waffle Overlay is a relatively new piece of mattress overlay technology and research conclusions were diverse. In some clinical settings, it reduced the incidences pressure injuries, while in some it increased the incidences. For this study, patients who score 17 or lower (high risk) on the Braden Scale or who visually show potential development of a pressure injury will have a Waffle Overlay implemented into their plan of care. Data will be collected on the number of pressure injuries developed on the unit and will be compared to data prior to the implementation of Waffle Overlays when Q2 turning and padding bony prominences were the only methods of prevention