Implementing a Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Incidents of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury.

Objective: A quality improvement project (QIP) was implemented in 2021 at Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, to decrease the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs).

Methods: A FOCUS PDCA (Find, Organize, Clarify, Understand, Select, Plan, Do, Check, and Act) methodology was used to reduce the HAPI rate, understand the source of variation, and select improvement measures. A protocol for PI assessment and prevention was developed and implemented. A multidisciplinary team was involved, and several educational sessions were conducted. The PIs per 1000 patient days were monitored monthly.

Results: The HAPI rate dropped from an average of 3.4/1000 patient days during the 3 months preintervention period to an average of 1.7/1000 patient days in the first 9 months following the QIP. During 2022 and 2023, the HAPI rate decreased to an average of 0.9 and 0.8 patient days, respectively.

Conclusions: The QIP reduced the incidence of HAPIs by 75% in 2023. Staff involvement and a multidisciplinary team were essential to the success of the project. For patients, the reduction of PI risk resulted in a better quality of life and shorter hospitalizations.