What is a Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Audit?
A Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Audit is a snapshot of the number of patients in the hospital with pressure ulcers.
The data collected provides assurance that the Trust is recording patient pressure ulcer information accurately.
The trust performs these types of audits at regular intervals to ensure the level of care patients are receiving is harm free.
UCLH is planning the next audit the week beginning 22nd April 2024. Your Nurse will be able to advise you when this audit is going to take place.
Who is going to be included in the Audit?
All patients in the ward areas will be included in the audit.
Patients in the following areas are not currently included: Outpatients, Labour Ward, Post- natal Ward and the Emergency Department
What will happen during the Audit?
The senior nurses allocated to gather the data from your ward, will review your clinical notes. They will be checking the timing and completion of your skin assessments, referral to any specialist teams, and the plans of care. They will also review any clinical skin photos that have been taken.
The next step is to review your skin, this will be by the Senior Nurse and your allocated nurse, and your permission will be asked before they start.
What is involved in a skin inspection?
You will be asked or assisted to turn on your side and the Senior Nurse will review your skin condition from the top of your head to your feet, looking for any underlying skin damage, such as redness or wounds (see diagram below for common sites).
Common sites of Pressure Ulcers
Do I have to take part?
You do not have to take part. This will not affect your care whilst an inpatient or outpatient at UCLH.
What will UCLH do with this data?
Firstly, please be reassured that all the data will be anonymised, and no names or identifiable information will be included in the reports.
The data will be presented to the Trust Board and will direct, influence, and drive the care provision for the Prevention of Pressure Ulceration.
We would like to thank you for your participation in the audit.
For further information please talk to your Ward Sisters / Charge Nurses.