Pressure ulcers are a major burden to patients, caregivers and the health care system.

For this reason, pressure ulcer prevention has been prioritized as one of six key Required Organizational Practices (ROP) VCH has identified for improvement. Accreditation Canada will be surveying all VCH programs together in September, 2016 — the first regionally integrated accreditation site visit.

“Accreditation is an opportunity to highlight the good work that VCH does every day for pressure ulcer prevention” said Serena Bertoli-Haley, Accreditation & Patient/Client Satisfaction Leader.

During the week of September 18-23, 2016, a team of Accreditation Canada surveyors will visit clinical teams across our entire geography and continuum of care. The surveyors will be looking to see that patients are screened for pressure ulcer risk using a validated risk assessment tool. When patients are identified at risk, they will expect to see regular monitoring of risks and documented care plans to address risk factors.

Over the coming year, units will be reviewing pressure ulcer prevention strategies to ensure we are providing evidence-informed, patient and family centred care so that patients can experience the best possible outcomes wherever they are within VCH.

World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day

World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day is dedicated to increase awareness of pressure ulcer prevention and to recognize the day-to-day efforts of dedicated staff.

“Pressure ulcer prevention only occurs when staff from all disciplines engage in prevention efforts,” said Barb Lawrie, Vice President of Professional Practice and Chief Clinical Information Officer.

The annual celebration of World Wide Pressure Ulcer Prevention Day is sponsored by the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. It was first observed in 2013 and is growing in recognition throughout the world.

More information

Connecting Learners with Knowledge:Skin and Wound Community of Practice 

National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel