Steps to Take

When planning for the prevention of bedsores, it helps to follow a standardized procedure. Some nursing homes and hospitals do not have a set policy in place, but fortunately, it is not difficult to establish solid guidelines that will effectively help to reduce the incidence of bedsores and minimize the risk to incoming hospital patients and nursing home residents. The following is a list of some key factors that should be considered when implementing a bedsore prevention policy. If you have questions about what the hospital or nursing home does to prevent bedsores, these areas are a good starting point for discussion.

Risk Assessment - upon admission to a nursing home or hospital, a comprehensive risk-assessment should be made with regards to the potential for bedsores to develop. The nursing home or hospital staff should adhere to a reliable assessment instrument, such as the Braden Scale for measuring the risk of bedsore development.

Inspection/Reevaluation – for those who are found to be at risk of developing bedsores, there should be daily inspection of any areas of the body which may be vulnerable to pressure sores. For those who are not found to be at risk, a timetable for reevaluation should be established, so that if a person’s condition changes, they can be reassessed before bedsores have a chance to develop.

Proactive Care – for nursing home residents especially, this means that any incontinent patient is kept clean and dry to minimize potential breakdown of skin and tissue which can lead to an increased risk of bedsores. Hospital staff should take similar precautions as well.

Individualized Procedures – any repositioning or turning schedules should be based upon individual patient needs rather than a facility-wide schedule. Patients’ activities and routines should be taken into consideration when developing this schedule.

Use of Specialized Bedding/Equipment – bedding or equipment designed to relieve potential pressure areas should be used on a case-by-case basis, and always tailored to individual needs.

Staff Training – staff members should be trained in the proper techniques for lifting and transferring patients in order to minimize the risk of bedsores that are caused due to pressure along with shear or friction. Staff members should also be trained in how to properly recognize and assess bedsores at every stage, and what can be done to minimize the risks.

By taking a multi-leveled approach to bedsore prevention, it is possible to reduce the risk of bedsores developing in the first place. This saves everyone valuable time and money in terms of patient care, hospital stays, medical expenses and insurance costs.