Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are a significant patient safety concern. HAPIs lead to prolonged hospitalization, decrease patient quality of life and increase healthcare costs.

This project aims to assess current state of pressure injury prevention practices, identify modifiable gaps and implement a targeted intervention to reduce HAPI incidents.

Students will have the opportunity to complete initial data collection and/or audits, they may opt to complete skin assessment audits. They can survey staff and complete interviews with patients to better understand current state. Once the change idea has been identified, students will participate in developing a change management strategy, they may create learning resources and/or develop a communication strategy to share their implementation plan with teams. Students will also complete review of outcome/process measures.

This QI initiative aims to reduce pressure injuries, improve patient outcomes and enhance staff adherence to best practice principles for pressure injury prevention. Students will benefit from this project by having the opportunity to engage in evidence-based practice, develop leadership skills through engagement with multidisciplinary teams, enhance their critical thinking skills as well as contribute to positive patient outcomes.