Evaluation of an Evidence-Based, Quality Improvement Program: Improving Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries using the Subepidermal Moisture Scanner

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a significant concern, affecting millions of patients in the United States annually, and are a contributing factor to an extended length in hospital stays. Pressure injuries pose a considerable healthcare problem linked to substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) provide care to the highest acuity patients who often experience limited mobility due to their critical illness or injury. Sedentary behavior is a primary cause of hospital-acquired pressure injuries, with a high incidence rate observed among ICU patients. Traditional methods for pressure injury prevention and detection have limitations in terms of accuracy and timeliness. This program evaluation project aimed to investigate the effectiveness of staff education and the application of a subepidermal moisture (SEM) scanner in reducing the number of pressure injuries among hospitalized adults in an ICU. SEM scanning has emerged as a novel technology for the early detection and prevention of pressure injuries. The evaluation followed the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation, involving engagement of stakeholders, program description, evaluation design, gathering credible evidence, justifying conclusions, ensuring use, and sharing lessons learned. The evaluation was conducted in a 341-bed urban acute care hospital in the southeastern region of the United States, focusing on four ICU units comprising a total of 64 beds. The MOVE - Pressure Injury Prevention (PIP) program, which included staff education and SEM scanning, was implemented. The study excluded pediatric patients and non-acute care settings