A study of a pathway to reduce pressure ulcers for patients with a hip fracture

Due to an ageing population the numbers of patients with hip fractures are increasing. They often suffer from concomitant diseases and are therefore prone to be affected by complications such as pressure ulcers. The prevention of pressure ulcers among patients with a hip fracture is crucial. The aim of this study was to improve the quality of care and patient safety in patients with a hip fracture. A new evidence based clinical pathway was introduced to prevent hospital acquired pressure ulcers. Furthermore, the purpose was to bring attention to pressure ulcer prevention and to facilitate changes in clinical practice to improve quality of care and patient safety. A total of 478 patients with a hip fracture were consecutively included between April 2003 and March 2004. The new evidence based clinical pathway was introduced on October 1st 2003. The results from the first 210 patients in the control group and the last 210 patients in the intervention group are presented in this article. In the intervention group, hospital acquired pressure ulcers decreased by 50% (p < 0.007). It is possible to reduce the development of hospital acquired pressure ulcers among elderly patients with a hip fracture even though it is not possible to eliminate the effect of factors such as increased age and the patients’ medical status which are often the two main risk factors.