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Project reduces pressure sores by more than 70%

Quality Improvement Monitor, July 20, 2007

A project organized by the New Jersey Hospital Association eliminated more than 70% of bed sores in participating hospitals, nursing homes, and home care agencies, according to the Associated Press (AP).

The Pressure Ulcer Collaborative project had initially aimed for a 25% reduction. Instead, the 150 hospitals, nursing homes and home healthcare agencies that took part in the project reduced new bedsores on average by just over 70% between September 2005 and May 2007, Aline Holmes, a registered nurse and the association's senior vice president of clinical affairs, told the AP.

Preventive steps included a prompt evaluation of new patients, with every square inch of their skin examined; shifting at-risk patients' positions every two hours; and using padding or special air mattresses. Patients not eating or drinking enough water also received nutritional consultation from the organizations taking part in the project.

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