[Elevating the accuracy rate for nurses' changes of patients' positions].
The incidence of pressure sores among inpatients had increased in our ward month by month. Clinical checklists and data analysis showed that the accuracy rate for nurses' changes of patients' positions was 12%. The investigation of reasons for this low accuracy rate included: (1) A flawed nursing standard for position changes. (2) Lack of training for position changing. (3) Lack of quality management and control of position changes. (4) Lack of practice and unfamiliarity with the procedures for position changing. (5) Poor quality of pressure-reducing surfaces. (6) Shortage of pressure-reducing surfaces. (7) Inappropriate method of use of pressure-reducing surfaces. (8) Non-inclusion by management of incidence of pressure sores within the scope of quality control. After a review of literature and group discussion, strategies were adopted to: (1) Establish a detailed explanation of standards for position changes. (2) Arrange lectures and promotional campaigns. (3) Add more pillows and water cushions. (4) Conduct case analysis when a patient develops a new pressure sore. After completion of this project, the accuracy rate for nurses' changes of patients' positions increased from 12% to 88%, and the incidence of pressure sores decreased from 0.47% to 0.05%. The result shows that accuracy of position change may affect the rate of pressure sore. We expect this project to serve as a reference in clinical practice for promotion of the quality of patient care.
Yang
Li-Chien
LC
Department of Nursing, Chi Mei Medical Center, ROC.
Chen
Ming-Hui
MH
Tseng
Chiung-Ying
CY
Zhang
Qian-Yu
QY
Zeng
Yi-Ping
YP
Chuang
Wen-Ling
WL
D001513:Beds; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D011187:Posture; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*