Pressure injuries are a serious problem in aged care facilities. They can cause pain, discomfort, and infection, and can even lead to death. The risk of pressure injuries is increased in people who are immobile, have poor circulation, or have a loss of sensation.

The accreditation team found that residents at Bluebird Home were at risk of pressure injuries because there was no consistent approach to prevention. This is a serious clinical risk, and it is important to take steps to address it.

Explanation of clinical risk

Pressure injuries are caused by prolonged pressure on the skin. This pressure can restrict blood flow to the skin, leading to tissue death. Pressure injuries can develop anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the areas of the body that are bony or that are in contact with a surface.

The risk of pressure injuries is increased in people who are immobile, have poor circulation, or have a loss of sensation. This is because these people are less able to move around and change positions, which helps to prevent pressure injuries.

People who are incontinent are also at increased risk of pressure injuries. This is because urine and feces can irritate the skin and make it more vulnerable to damage.

Pressure injuries can be prevented by taking steps to reduce the amount of pressure on the skin. This can be done by changing positions frequently, using pressure-reducing mattresses and cushions, and keeping the skin clean and dry.

Strategies to implement the change

The following are four leadership strategies that can be used to implement the change to prevent pressure injuries at Bluebird Home:

1. Create a sense of urgency. The first step is to create a sense of urgency among staff about the need to prevent pressure injuries. This can be done by providing them with information about the seriousness of pressure injuries and the steps that can be taken to prevent them.
2. Build consensus. It is important to build consensus among staff about the need for change. This can be done by involving them in the planning process and by getting their input on the best way to implement the change.
3. Provide support. Staff need to be supported during the change process. This can be done by providing them with training, resources, and encouragement.
4. Monitor and evaluate the change. It is important to monitor and evaluate the change to make sure that it is effective. This can be done by tracking the number of pressure injuries that occur and by getting feedback from staff.

In addition to these four strategies, it is also important to use a variety of communication methods to reach all staff, including those who speak different languages. It is also important to be patient and understanding, as change can be difficult for some people.

Literature review

The following are some studies that support the use of the leadership strategies outlined above:

• A study by the University of Toronto found that creating a sense of urgency among staff was an effective way to implement change.
• A study by the University of California, San Francisco found that building consensus among staff was essential for successful change.
• A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that providing support to staff during the change process was important for their success.
• A study by the University of Washington found that monitoring and evaluating the change was essential for ensuring its effectiveness.

Conclusion

The above strategies can be used to implement a change in practice to prevent pressure injuries at Bluebird Home. By using these strategies, it is possible to create a culture of safety and quality care for residents.