Date of Conferral

4-23-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Genia Wetsel

Abstract

Summary This project is a retroactive quality improvement initiative to evaluate the effectiveness of the LEAF wearable pressure sensor and reduce sacral hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) in critically-ill adult patients. The practice problem addressed is the high incidence of pressure injuries in hospitalized patients, which can lead to increased mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. The evidence-based practice question was: In critically ill adult patients at risk of pressure injuries, how does the use of the LEAF wearable pressure sensor compared to standard care without sensors impact the incidence of sacral HAPIs over the past year? The purpose of this doctoral project was to assess whether the implementation of the LEAF sensor led to a significant reduction in sacral HAPI rates and to provide recommendations for future practices. I used a quantitative analysis using an independent t test to compare multiple units' pre- and postimplementation pressure injury rates. The results showed no statistically significant reduction in HAPI incidence (t = -2.12, p = 0.136). Ultimately, the LEAF sensor did not significantly reduce HAPI incidence. From a nursing practice perspective, this study highlights the importance of evaluating new healthcare technologies before adoption with structured implementation strategies that include staff engagement, workflow integration, and ongoing monitoring of outcomes. This project fosters a culture of innovation and evidence-based decision-making in healthcare settings, which may result in positive social change.

Download

Included in

Nursing Commons

Share

 
COinS