Abstract
Background: Pressure injury prevention is a persistent concern in nursing. The Veterans Health Administration implemented a creative approach with successful outcomes across the United States.
Problem: Pressure injury prevention is a measure of nursing quality of care and a high priority in the Veterans Health Administration.
Methods: A 12-month Virtual Breakthrough Series Collaborative utilizing coaching and group calls was conducted to assist long-term and acute care teams with preventing pressure injuries.
Interventions: Interventions from the Veterans Health Administration Skin Bundle were implemented, including pressure-relieving surfaces, novel turning techniques, specialized dressings, and emollients to prevent skin breakdown.
Results: The aggregated pressure injury rate for all teams decreased from Prework to the Action phase from 1.0 to 0.8 per 1000 bed days of care (P = .01). The aggregated pressure injury rates for long-term care units decreased from Prework to Continuous Improvement from 0.8 to 0.4 per 1000 bed days of care (P = .021).
Conclusion: The Virtual Breakthrough Series helped reduce pressure injuries.