Pressure ulcer care is a complex process, and efforts to improve prevention need a system approach requiring organizational change. Bringing changes to an organization is a challenging thing and is further complicated when multiple workflow modifications are made simultaneously and decision-making and communication are involved. Failure to assess the readiness of an organization for change can result in difficulties in implementing the change or even a complete failure.
According to AHRQ (n.d), the cost of individual care for patients with pressure ulcers ranges between $20,900 and 151,700 per ulcer. There are over 17,000 lawsuits per annum that are linked to pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are the most common claim after wrongful deaths and are more than emotional distress and wrongful deaths. In this project, the cost of pressure ulcers per patient will be targeted as a parameter that will need to be reduced. The healthcare facility will, after implementation of the project, reduce its costs per patient by a projected 30%.
Richardson et al. (2017) point out that staff attitudes pose a challenge since pressure ulcers can be perceived as being inevitable for patients who are critically ill because of the associated risk factors and patient conditions. Hence, on the quality aspect, nurses, as the change agents, will need to have a change in attitude in order for them to give quality care to their patients; this will be achieved through motivational training.
The change implementation will consider several strategies aimed at improving pressure ulcers. According to Atkinson & Cullum (2019), some of the proposed clinical aspect interventions include giving nurses guidance on the turning frequencies. The choice of mattresses for patients with ulcers will also be considered. Other considerations for change include seating inappropriate chairs and guidance on skin care done by trained nurses.
AHRQ (n.d). Preventing Pressure Ulcers in Hospitals. https://www.ahrq.gov/patient-safety/settings/hospital/resource/pressureulcer/tool/pu1.html