A retrospective analysis conducted by clinicians at Maricopa Integrated Health System ([MIHS] Phoenix, Ariz) found that a protocol of care using a standardized algorithm with advanced products reduced the prevalence of pressure ulcers by 90%. First launched by ConvaTec (Skillman, NJ) 10 years ago, the Solutions® Algorithms printed manuals have been content validated by multiple groups of wound care professionals and global opinion leaders. Under the recently established MIHS Center for Clinical Excellence, nursing officers selected algorithms, an evidence-based wound assessment, treatment, and prevention guideline.

Targeting pressure ulcer prevention has been a key goal across the system, especially following the inclusion of Stage 3 and Stage 4 pressure ulcers acquired after admission to a healthcare facility on the list of "never events" by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). More than 1100 MIHS nurses were trained on the use of the algorithms. MIHS also utilized the advanced products specified in the evidence-based protocol for pressure ulcer prevention: the Aloe Vesta® skin care system, DuoDERM® dressings, and the Flexi-Seal® Fecal Management System. After the first year, a prevalence audit showed more than a 50% reduction in hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. By December 2008, following the full rollout of the interactive algorithms, a second audit reported a 90% reduction in pressure ulcers.

Visit www.convatec.com for more information.