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Tissue Viability Guidelines improve quality, patient safety and reduce costs
Tissue Viability Guidelines improve quality, patient safety and reduce costs
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Details
Area Classification
Acute / Hospital Care
Briefly describe what it is
Safe, effective wound prevention and management is not only fundamental to high quality patient care but is inextricably linked to a number of health outcomes. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust implemented revised tissue viability guidelines and wound dressings/skin care formulary. This was undertaken in conjunction with a multidisciplinary education programme. A wound audit (excluding acute surgical wounds) was undertaken at the bedside in February 2008 prior to the intervention and one year later in February 2009. These results were compared to assess the subsequent impact of the changes.
Were there any key things that you had to do to make it happen?
A range of measures were undertaken focused on collaborative working, education and practice development. A tissue viability multidisciplinary foundation course was regularly presented from 2006. Project work reviewed evidence, products and submitted proposal for local approval. The project was launched Trust wide to link clinicians April 2009.
Describe (and provide evidence) of the impact on quality of care
Significant improvements were observed in best practice and patient experience. In 2008 42% of patients were considered to be receiving most appropriate wound care. This had improved to 65.7% in 2009, an increase of 23.7%. Prevalence of wound infection had reduced from 18% in 2008 to under 9% in 2009.
Describe (and provide evidence) of the impact on patient (or staff) experience
Staff are demonstrating improved confidence and empowerment in their decision making regarding wound management. The tissue viability course is popular and often oversubscribed. There is improved communication with all staff groups throughout the Trust and staff appear enthusiastic at taking best practice recommendations forward in their clinical areas.
Describe (and provide evidence) of the impact on reducing cost
In 2008, data analysis associated wound infection with longer length of hospital stay and a mean increased cost of £3,916.94 per patient. Using this calculation, in 2009, the reduced wound infection prevalence provides a cost saving of £58,754.10.
Keywords / Tags
Tissue Viability Guidelines
