Pressure injury prevention and management in LTC
Summary
Project was to develop a best practice standardised wound management program with education and standard reference document to increase all staff’s knowledge to a similar level and language. staff were trained in use standardised assessments, documentation, proper application of most appropriate wound care product and off-loading techniques.
Elgin County Homes and Seniors Services delivers Long Term Care to 247 residents across 3 sites in Elgin County. The Fellow candidate will lead the organizational change by developing and implementing change at Bobier Villa, the smallest, rural home of 57 resident beds, located in Dutton, ON. ECHSS provides services to seniors by living our Mission of “creating a caring environment where residents and staff feel safe, respected and valued”. The change initiatives developed through the work of the Fellowship will be implemented and utilized in all of the Elgin County Long Term Care Homes.
Through this fellowship, I hope to hone and develop specialized clinical and research skills to assess and treat acute and chronic wounds in the geriatric population. Over the course of the fellowship I will develop strategies that lead to life-long learning, -skills and the ability to coach and mentor colleagues in wound care. I hope to gain advanced clinical expertise to assess, plan and implement quality improvement initiatives within my organization and learn to educate others on best practices in wound care. Applying that knowledge in the long-term care setting will benefit my residents and colleagues alike.
Increase nursing knowledge and understanding of RNAO Assessment and Management of Pressure Injuries for the Interprofessional Team” (RNAO, 2016). BPG and utilize process improvement methodology to develop a standardized wound assessment and care protocol for the home(s) through a multi-disciplinary approach.
Outcomes
-Reduce or eliminate factors that lead to pressure injuries
-Increased confidence in team of care providers
- Increased confidence in management of wound care.
- Better communication amongst team members with respect to wound care
Overall experience
Throughout the fellowship experience feedback has been consistently positive from myself and other staff members. Staff were very thankful for the training and resources that were developed during the fellowship and shared with staff. Taking part in this opportunity allowed me to collaborate and discuss different experiences I otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity to if it wasn’t for the fellowship.
