Date of Conferral

5-27-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Cynthia Fletcher

Abstract

The quality improvement education project aimed to address a significant increase in hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) at a veteran medical center in Indiana, where statistics showed a 40% increase in Stage 2 pressure ulcers and a 60% increase in deep tissue injuries in Quarter 3 in 2023. Recognizing the serious complications associated with pressure injuries, along with their significant financial burden, the project aimed to answer the question: Will a staff education program focusing on an evidence-based, comprehensive approach to preventing pressure injuries increase nurses’ knowledge about implementing strategies to prevent them? The objective was to enhance adherence to the preventive measures outlined in the hospital’s standardized protocol by providing comprehensive education to the nursing staff. The program focused on three key areas: comprehensive skin assessment, nutrition, and moisture management. Twenty-nine nurses completed the pretest prior to participating in the education, the posttest, and the course evaluation after the program. Data from the tests were analyzed using Microsoft Excel Statistical Analysis for the mean and t test. The pretest mean was 3.07, the posttest mean was 10.45, and p < .001. The results indicated a substantial increase in the nurses’ knowledge about evidence-based strategies to decrease pressure injuries. Based on these results, integrating pressure injury prevention education during nursing orientation is recommended. Reducing HAPIs significantly improves patient outcomes and promotes a positive social change by using evidence-based strategies for HAPI prevention, leading to shorter hospital stays and enhanced quality of life for all patients.

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