Abstract Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Older Adults in Acute Care Settings

Authors

Evelyn Yegella, University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonFollow

Author Biographical Info

Evelyn Yegella, BSN, RN

DNP Student – Psychiatric-Mental Health

UTHealth Houston Cizik School of Nursing

Evelyn Yegella is a registered nurse with over seven years of experience in psychiatric and medical-surgical nursing. She started her career in a psychiatric hospital, gaining skills in mental health assessment and crisis intervention. Later, she worked in acute care, improving her ability to manage complex patients and collaborate with healthcare teams.

Currently, Evelyn is a nurse at LBJ Hospital while pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric-Mental Health at UTHealth Houston. She focuses on mental health advocacy, improving access to care, and enhancing patient outcomes through research.

Evelyn values compassion, cultural understanding, and lifelong learning, aiming to address the mental health needs of diverse communities.

Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion

Summer 8-4-2025

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Karla Abela

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a significant risk for older people in acute care, leading to increased morbidity,

Healthcare costs and fragility in senior patients result in higher HAPI rates. This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce HAPI incidence by 40% within four months, utilizing evidence-based nursing interventions tailored to this vulnerable population.

METHODOLOGY:

The project followed the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, implementing staff training, periodical skin assessments, and repositioning schedules. Data were collected monthly using skin evaluation checklists and HAPI incidence reports from 30 patient days, and chi-square tests and control charts were used to examine the results. Staff turnover and anomalies in the early paperwork were among the limitations. Interventions included standardized practices, pressure-relieving cushions, and interdisciplinary teamwork, with problems such as increasing staff workload addressed by further training and automated reminders.

RESULTS:

The project achieved an 88% reduction in HAPI incidence, exceeding the 40% target. High levels of staff involvement and interdisciplinary interaction were essential. Integrating protocols into standard treatment and providing continual staff education helped to ensure sustainability.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

Evidence-based therapies can effectively reduce HAPIs, improve patient safety, and reduce costs. Unexpected outcomes included increased patient-provider trust. To ensure long-term impact, future efforts should focus on expanding protocols to other units and resolving staff attrition.

Keywords

hospital-acquired pressure injuries, older individuals, acute care, prevention techniques, quality improvement

Recommended Citation

Evelyn Yegella, "Abstract Prevention of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries in Older Adults in Acute Care Settings" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 122.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/122