Abstract
In Australia, the cost of treating patients with deep pressure ulcers, where muscle and bone are exposed, is estimated to cost between $61,230 and $100,000 per patient (Young, 1997). Overall annual estimated costs in treating patients with pressure ulcers in Australia reportedly reached up to $350 million in 1997 (Woolridge 1997).
Like many other improvement activities, diverse, disparate and well-intentioned efforts were being made in pressure ulcer prevention across the Area Health Service. However, the lack of a coordinated and strategic area-wide effort had weakened the potential for improved outcomes in all high-risk patients.
This project was initiated following a 2002 audit that identified 13% of patients transferred to Rehabilitation Aged and Extended Care (RAEC), had a pre-existing pressure ulcer. This, as well as other issues identified, were addressed through the Areawide implementation of standardised and evidence based strategies for the prediction and prevention of pressure injury and management supported by an innovative staff-training program.
Results of an Area-wide audit indicate the number of patients identified with a pressure ulcer within Illawarra Health, (IH) decreased from 17% in 1993, to 7.5% in 2003; and to 5.4% in 2004. Primary Intentions 2005: 13(3): 122-123.
Wounds Central
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