Prevention of pressure ulcers at orthopaedic patients begins on the accident and emergency department

Background Hospitalization causes many pressure ulcers and has important implications for the patient and the economy. Regional hospital Horsens is one of 5 hospitals in Denmark participating in ‘The Danish Safer Hospital Programme’ where one aim is to reduce and prevent pressure ulcers. The target for the hospital is to reduce pressure ulcers to less than 5% and the aim is to, asses the risk of getting pressure ulcers (screen) to 90% of the patients. The Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) undertake the first evaluation of patients’ risk of developing pressure ulcers and this evaluation is basis for the screenings in the forward progress of the patient. Baseline measurements showed, 4 out of 10 patients experienced pressure ulcers. The cause was identified in lack of systematic observations, documentation and individual staff members’ competence levels. A need was identified for all staff to possess the same level of knowledge about prevention and tools to support this.