The Problem of Pressure Injuries

It is far, far more advantageous to the patient, nurse, physician, and health care organization to prevent rather than treat hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Treating pressure injuries involves reducing pressure on the affected skin, caring for wounds, controlling pain, treating infection, and maintaining good nutrition, all of which is resource-intensive in time, money, and effort, not to mention the multiple untoward effects suffered by the patient.

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.

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.

HAP Contacts

For further information on the HAP HIIN Pressure Injury Prevention Project, please contact project manager, Janette Bisbee. Media inquiries should be directed to Chris Daley, HAP's vice president, strategic communications.

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