Pressure Injury

HAP is dedicated to working with Pennsylvania hospitals to decrease the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Through the use of evidence-based protocols, targeted education, technical assistance, and the development of individual action plans for rapid improvement, hospitals have the opportunity to participate in this time-tested collaborative program.

A Few Sobering Statistics

Number of people affected:

2.5 million individuals per year. Older adults and people who live in nursing homes are especially vulnerable.

Death:

About 60,000 individuals die as a direct result of pressure injuries each year.

Cost:

Pressure injuries cost $9.1 billion to $11.9 billion per year in the United States. The cost of individual patient care ranges from $20,900 to $151,700 per pressure injury.

Lifestyle:

Pressure injuries may be associated with severe pain, as well as reduced independence, embarrassment, increased hospital stay, and a decreased quality of life.

E-learning Modules

For licensed nurses:

For unlicensed frontline staff:

HAP Contacts

For more information or with questions, contact Lauren Geary, senior director, clinical affairs. Media inquiries should be directed to Kim Yakowski, manager, media relations.

HAP News

September 04, 2026

HAP Achievement Awards: AHN Wexford

HAP's annual Achievement Awards honor hospitals and health systems for their innovation, creativity, and commitment to patient care. The Achievement Awards showcase and share member hospitals’ and health systems’ successful programs and best practices.

September 03, 2026

Pennsylvania Hospitals Recognized for Outstanding Patient Safety

The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) is recognizing 20 Pennsylvania hospitals for their exemplary results delivering safe patient care.

Now in its eighth year, HAP’s Excellence in Patient Safety Recognition program honors the commonwealth’s top-performing hospitals that have demonstrated low rates of healthcare-associated infections. The 2026 honorees were selected based on their performance during 2025.

September 02, 2026

A Better Hospital Regulatory Environment is within Reach

Day one of HAP's Patient Safety, Quality, and Equity Symposium featured panels discussions and speakers on building a cycle of safety, accreditation, elevating the patient voice, and changes coming next year to hospital reporting to the Patient Safety Authority.

The Problem of Pressure Injuries