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Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Study (PUP)

Since the early 1990, teaching hospitals in the Ottawa region have conducted a yearly multi-site, skin care prevalence study. This has developed into a unique database and therefore contributes to set benchmark by which to evaluate the quality of nursing care as it relates to skin care.

Each year at the end of September, nurses at TOH conduct a 12-hour point prevalence skin care study (6 a.m. - 6 p.m.). Specially trained registered nurses and registered practical nurses make up the survey team. In the course of the 12-hour period, they assess all inpatients who have consented to participate for skin integrity and the presence of pressure ulcers.

They evaluate each patient for risk factors using the Braden Scale, a standardized risk assessment instrument. A head-to-toe physical assessment is conducted in order to document skin condition.

The data gathered provides useful information pertaining to:

• Risk factors
• Patient population profile
• Aspects of care
• Documentation
• Compliance with policies and procedures
• Utilization of recommended pressure relief equipment
• Wound care protocol and dressings

The prevalence study shows us the annual pressure ulcer prevalence rate for our hospital, helps us identify trends and set objectives to improve practices relating to skin care.

Over the years, this data has enabled us to gather enough evidence to:

• justify replacing our complete inventory of mattresses;
• select and purchase special seating surfaces;
• standardize our skin care products;
• develop guidelines for selection of appropriate surfaces and dressings.

It also helps us set educational priorities for staff development. Nurses involved with the survey become skin care resources for their unit and develop an expertise that they readily share with their nursing colleagues.