Using Flow Guidelines During Noninvasive Ventilation to Decrease Mask-Related Pressure Injuries

Background: Device related pressure injuries cause pain, disfigurement, morbidity and mortality. Reducing respiratory device related pressure injuries is one of our hospitals operating plan goals. The rate of pressure injuries in January 2018 was 12.46 per 1,000 noninvasive days or 0.70 per 1,000 patient days. A recent study done at our facility revealed a correlation between NIV patient mask leak and pressure injury. Specifically our research identified that there was a correlation with higher patient leaks and pressure injuries. After placing the minimum and maximum patient leaks on the same graph it was noted that there was less pressure injuries in the group with patient leaks >25 L/min and max leaks