The InSPiRE study: An interventional patient skin integrity protocol in a high risk environment.
Funded by the RBWH Foundation and the School of Nursing, QUT.
Assoc Prof Fiona Coyer, Postgraduate Course Coordinator, School of Nursing, QUT
Rae Leigh Cole, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
Mary Ryan, A/Clinical Nurse, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
Craig Allen, Clinical Nurse, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
The aim of this project is to implement an innovative interventional patient skin integrity protocol in an intensive care unit (ICU) and to measure the impact of the protocol on two key patient outcomes related to skin integrity: pressure ulcers (PU) and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD). Importantly, the project uses a protocol to address individual patient care and team approaches to patient skincare within the unique environment of ICU. It also targets system processes to address organisational factors to implement a problem-solving approach to improve the quality of patient skincare. This project builds on established work of the multidisciplinary Pressure Ulcer Prevention Collaborative, formed by the Patient Safety Centre (Queensland Health and Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital) to develop and sustain PU prevention programs. Furthermore this project provides testing of a protocol for implementing best available evidence to improve patient risk assessment, skin integrity assessment and management, and documentation and staff education. This project will also investigate an unexplored domain of intensive care nursing practice; IAD prevalence; incidence; and management. Data is necessary to identify the effectiveness of current practices and areas for improvement for skin integrity in the critically ill patient.
Contact: Assoc Prof Fiona Coyer Email: f.coyer@qut.edu.au
Further Information:
Online publications:
- Coyer, F.M., O’Sullivan, J., & Cadman, N. (2010). The provision of patient personal hygiene in the intensive care unit: A descriptive exploratory study of bed-bathing practice. Australian Critical Care. Article in press, Corrected proof. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aucc.2010.08.001