“Camp Zero”: The Power of Education and Prevention Interventions to Achieve Zero Pressure Ulcers

Purpose:
To educate and engage nurses and nursing assistants on the importance of skin health and prevention interventions to achieve zero hospital acquired pressure ulcers over time

Relevance/Significance:
Staff education and engagement related to safety and quality measures are integral to the ability to relate exemplary work environment practices to patient and nursing outcomes.

Strategy and Implementation:
Nurses and nursing assistants are partners in care engaging in the journey of exemplary professional practice to achieve the ultimate in skin quality - achievement of zero pressure ulcers. Empowered as frontline caregivers staff impact pressure ulcer prevention. Education to know the difference between normal and abnormal elevates staff confidence to report observations. Education influences accountability of nurses and nursing assistants to collaborate with the CWON when early signs of an impending pressure ulcer is detected. Prevention is key to achieving zero pressure ulcers. Chasing zero starts at the bedside with engaged, empowered, educated staff nurses and nursing assistants. Attending “Camp” is an annual course designed to educate, understand the power of prevention, and to protect healthy skin. Poster presentation will illustrate the program's success, reaching the goal of zero pressure ulcers within less than six months and the sustainability of pressure ulcer quality data.

Evaluation:
Quality data outcomes and pressure ulcer prevalence has demonstrated the achievement of zero hospital acquired pressure ulcers in the acute care patient population over a period of time. The value of education by having staff attend "Camp Zero" annually has proven essential to the sustainability of zero hospital acquired pressure ulcers in this patient population.

Implications for Practice:
Education and staff engagement are critically essential to implement practice changes that are sustainable and lead to achievement of quality patient care outcomes