Fighting bedsores with a team approach

In a collaborative program including 52 nursing homes, team efforts have been able to reduce the number of severe bedsores by 69 percent. With prevention measures such as loose-fitting clothing, protein powders in cookies, and increased mobility, the prevalence of acute bedsores has been greatly reduced. At David Place, a nursing home in Nebraska, the arrival of new mattresses with high-density foam has helped reduce pressure in crucial areas on the patients’ bodies. With increased documentation and detailed information on each resident, nursing homes and hospitals may be able to diminish pressure ulcers at all stages.

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Pressure ulcers are extremely painful and unsightly for those suffering. Regardless of age, everyone wants to keep their skin intact and healthy. The increased team work and involvement from the nurses in this project have produced promising numbers for those afflicted by bedsores. In my opinion, this heightened awareness towards pressure ulcers has allowed the nursing homes to pay special attention to the residents and help improve the quality of life for them. The fact that nurses are closely watching and assessing each patient’s risk has seemed to create a more personal environment within the facilities. Each department paid attention to even the tiniest details that could be reformed to help hinder bedsores. I think that expanding this preventative program into more nursing homes will be extremely beneficial for the residents’ health and comfort, as well as the nurses’ dedication to their patients.