Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether active collaboration between physical therapist ward staff and nurses to prevent pressure injuries can change the number of new pressure injuries.
In 2023, one physical therapist was assigned full-time to Ward A (a 46-bed mixed ward of surgery, neurology, and transplant surgery). During weekday shifts, the physical therapist worked exclusively in the ward and implemented a new approach in collaboration with nurses. The physical therapist collaborated with nurses to evaluate mattresses, which were previously evaluated by nurses only, based on a flowchart for assessing body pressure dispersion bedding. Mattresses were replaced early when necessary. Additionally, patients at high risk of developing pressure injuries were given priority using body pressure dispersion cushions, and the physical therapist collaborated with nurses to ensure proper positioning of the patients. The number of new pressure injuries and the incidence rate, calculated by dividing the number of new pressure injuries with a severity of grade d2 or higher according to DESIGN-R® 2020 by the total number of hospital admission days in the ward, were calculated and compared across each fiscal year. Pressure injuries at the time of admission were excluded from the number of new pressure injuries. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital (No. 815).
The incidence rates of new pressure injuries were 0.079 (13/16427) in 2020, 0.102 (17/16687) in 2021, and 0.117 (18/15393) in 2022. In 2023, the incidence rate decreased to 0.024 (4/16556). In 2023, the number of new pressure injuries and the incidence rate were reduced to approximately one-third to one-fourth of the figures from each of the past three years.
With appropriate measures, pressure injuries can be prevented. Previous studies have shown that the use of pressure dispersion bedding can reduce the incidence of new pressure injuries. In this study, the collaboration between the physical therapist and nurses in evaluating mattresses, selecting appropriate ones early, and replacing them when necessary to alleviate pressure in patients at high risk of pressure injuries, particularly those at high risk of being bedridden, contributed to the reduction in new pressure injuries.
These findings highlight the importance of full-time rehabilitation workers in hospital wards for reducing the incidence of new pressure injuries by evaluating mattresses in collaboration with nurses and replacing mattresses if necessary.
full-time physical therapist
evaluate mattresses
