Case Study: AHN Canonsburg Hospital 2025 Achievement Award

In Safe Hands Award—Small/Medium Division

A Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Intervention to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries

The Goal

In 2022, a spike in hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) revealed gaps in staff training, risk assessment, and prevention protocols. Retrospective audits identified inconsistent use of the Braden Scale and targeted interventions. A multidisciplinary team responded by launching focused education efforts to reduce HAPIs and improve patient outcomes.

The Intervention

In 2022, a multidisciplinary team was formed to address rising HAPI rates, conducting weekly reviews of at-risk patients (Braden Score ≤18), and developing unit-specific action plans using a standardized template. Key interventions included:

• AI-supported “smart notes” to enhance documentation
• Dual-nurse skin checks on admission
• Regular audits to ensure consistent risk assessment and care planning

Progress was monitored through unit scorecards and shared at frontline-led quality councils, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. A neutral facilitator, external to patient care, guided discussions and helped the team stay focused and responsive to emerging needs.

Results

Over two years, the hospital reduced its HAPI rate by 37.7 percent, from 35 (4.144) to 23 (2.584) in 2024. This progress reflects the effectiveness of targeted interventions, with improved documentation and strong interdisciplinary collaboration driving sustained improvements in patient safety.

 

 

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Topics: Quality Initiatives

Revision Date: 6/23/2025

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