Standard Procedures

Every hospital has standard procedures and practices when it comes to bedsore prevention and treatment. Ideally, these procedures encompass a full range of preventive measures with regard to bedsores and bedsore development. Additionally, there should be incremental, proactive treatments available should bedsores develop over the course of a hospital stay. At minimum, the hospital should address the following areas in their prevention plans:

Risk Assessment

– upon admissions, all new patients should undergo a complete risk assessment profile with regards to bedsore development. Possible circumstances to consider include whether or not the patient is wheelchair-bound, whether or not the patient has full sensory capabilities, and whether or not there are other risk factors such as nutritional deficiency, age, or medical conditions which increase the risk of bedsore development. A standardized measure which uses systematic evaluation of individual risk factors should be used.

Skin Care

– daily assessments of the patient's skin with regards to its health and any signs of deterioration are a good way to catch bedsores in their earliest stages. For those of highest risk of developing bedsores assessments may be needed more than once a day. Areas that generally receive increased pressure such as the base of the spine, heels, and the back of the head should be inspected carefully for any signs of developing pressure sores. Bathing frequency should be determined on a case-by-case basis, and should follow established guidelines for minimizing the chances of bedsore development. If individuals are incontinent, a regular changing schedule should be developed in order to minimize skin irritation and potential breakdown which could lead to bedsores.

Nutrition

– a comprehensive nutritional program individually tailored to each patient should be implemented at the time of the missions. Adequate calories, nutrients, vitamins, and minerals should be consumed daily. For patients who have difficulty consuming an adequate amount of intake nutritional supplementation and/or support should be considered.

Repositioning Schedule

– at minimum, patients should be repositioned every two hours and if indicated, more often depending upon the individual's risk factors for development of bedsores. During repositioning, nursing staff should consider postural alignment, balance, and pressure redistribution. This is particularly important if the individual is wheelchair-bound. For those wheelchair-bound individuals who are capable of independent movement, repositioning should be attempted at least every 15 minutes.

While these are the main points which should be covered in any standard procedural documentation for bedsore prevention, it is by no means a comprehensive list. Your hospital may have other factors which are also brought into consideration and which can improve your chances of preventing bedsores during your hospital stay. It is important to be aware of your hospital stay out on the care and prevention of bedsores, especially if you are at high risk.