A Report of Clinical Audit for Prevention and Improvement of Bedsore in Southwest Iran

Abstract

Objective:  Pressure ulcer is areas of necrosis caused by external pressure on bony prominences with a prevalence of 10-22%.

Methods: This study was conducted to improve prevention and care of bedsore by clinical audit at Ahvaz Golestan Hospital. We included hospitalized patients at the risk of bedsore in general, special and emergency units at Ahvaz Golestan Hospital during a 6-month period. In accordance to the clinical audit cycle, the current situation was assessed by observation and consultation. After finding weakness points, proper interventions were implemented based on NICE guidelines for bedsore. Subsequently, another audit was performed to assess the effectiveness of intervention.

Results: Comparison of results before and after intervention showed an increase in all studied variables. The changes in studied variables are listed as following: bedsore reduction (p=0.001), patients' assessment during the first 6 hours of hospitalization (p=0.008), assessment of external pressure (p=0.001), change position (p=0.001), care standards (p=0.170) and skin friction (p=0.001). The highest increase was seen in change position (p=0.001) and the lowest increase was seen in maintaining adequate skin hygiene (p=0.360).

Conclusions: Clinical audit led to improvement of prevention and treatment quality of bedsore and also formulation and implementation of standards of care.