Improving patient outcomes: bridging the gap between science and efficacy

A Quality Improvement Project Comparing Two Treatments for Deep-Tissue Pressure Injuries to Feet and Lower Legs of Long-term Care Residents

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively examine clinical outcomes from a feasibility study that compared two treatment options for deep-tissue pressure injuries (DTPIs), including the clinical indicators increasing the risk of deteriorating DTPIs among long-term care residents.

METHODS

A retrospective chart audit of 40 DTPIs from 33 long-term care residents in two long-term care facilities was conducted to compare (1) polymeric membrane dressings (PMDs) with offloading and (2) a skin barrier film with offloading.

RESULTS

Of the 13 DTPIs treated with PMDs, only 23% deteriorated to a stage 3 or 4 pressure injury (PI), whereas of the 27 DTPIs treated with skin barrier film, 41% deteriorated to a stage 3 or 4 PI. The clinical factors found to increase the risk of developing and deteriorating DTPIs included weight loss, hypoalbuminemia, debility, dementia, coronary artery disease, and cerebrovascular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The PMD group's DTPIs evolved into fewer open PIs despite having higher percentages of clinical indicators for DTPIs. The project findings support the use of PMD dressings for DTPIs; however, more robust research is warranted.