Celebrating Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day

November 16, 2023

Today is Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day. The event provides an opportunity to increase national awareness for pressure injury prevention and to educate the public.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) estimates that more than 2.5 million individuals in the U.S. develop pressure injuries annually, and medical management of pressure injuries costs the U.S. health care system $9.1 billion to $11.6 billion per annum. Even more significantly, 60,000 people die yearly from pressure injury complications.

Objectives to Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day are:

• To promote worldwide awareness for pressure injury prevention
• To create interest in and education about pressure injury prevention
• To reinforce the relationship between national and local organizations

The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel has developed extensive media materials package appropriate for all health care settings and organizations which are available on their website. Materials for this year include free posters and other images, as well as educational sheets.

HAP has been working with Pennsylvania hospitals to decrease the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Through the use of evidence-based protocols, targeted education, and the development of individual action plans for rapid improvement, hospitals have the advantage of this time-tested collaborative program.

For more information about pressure injury prevention in your organization, contact HAP’s project manager, Janette Bisbee.