Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cultural transformation was the impetus for the creation of the Wound Care Program at Veteran Affairs Hospital in Northport, New York. An organization must be aware of the need for change based on current behaviors, practices, and processes in place. These cultural "norms" may have to be altered based upon the facilities' desired outcomes.
CHANGE PROCESS: A review of previous facility practice patterns revealed that a wound care nurse was responsible for patients' skin integrity. This nurse's role was limited to acute care. However, our health system comprises 121 inpatient acute care beds, 134 long-term care beds, and approximately 50 outpatient clinics. Care was fragmented, and access to the wound care specialist was limited. Therefore, the institution elected to change this arrangement. As a result, staff were more engaged with maintaining skin integrity, clinical outcomes were improved, and an evidence-based wound care program was established for our patient population.
CONCLUSION: Changes in wound care services improved patient outcomes and led to greater engagement of staff nurses in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment.