Teamwork for prevention : reducing HAPUs in cardiac surgery patients / Charina Ballesteros

The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel defines pressure injury as an area of localized damage to the skin and/or underlying soft tissue caused by intense or prolonged pressure alone or in combination with shear. Hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPU) is a preventable complication, causing pain and suffering, contributing to morbidity, and increasing length of stay. The National Quality Forum defines never events as errors in medical care that are clearly identifiable and preventable. Stage 3 and 4 pressure injuries acquired during hospitalization meet the criteria for a never event and aren’t reimbursed. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the cost of Stage 3 or 4 pressure injuries in an acute care hospital is approximately 3,180. HAPUs are painful, and the emotional turmoil patients and families experience decreases satisfaction and increases litigation risk. The average settlement for HAPUs in the United States is around 50,000, with the largest settlement currently reported as 4,000,000. HAPUs often result in poor outcomes and can negatively impact the hospital’s financial bottom line.

Nursing.