Assessment and prevention of pressure injuries is both a challenge and a responsibility for critical care nurses. A large body of evidence exists to guide practice, but effective translation of pressure injury prevention (PIP) at the bedside can be difficult. In our 16-bed intensive care unit, the incidence of preventable hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) increased significantly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. A culture shift was noted in which PIP was no longer prioritized and evidence-based standards for care of patients with pressure injuries were not consistently met. The pressure injury prevention bundle was revised to reflect best current evidence. An evidence-based practice initiative led by an intensive care unit (ICU) staff nurse and a clinical nurse specialist was developed to reengage the ICU team in interventions to reduce the rate of HAPIs.
Rates of HAPI are indicators of nursing and hospital quality. Overall, such rates have increased since...