Introduction
Hospital-acquired pressure Injuries (HAPIs) have long been a challenge in healthcare, particularly in high-acuity units where patients are more vulnerable to prolonged immobility. These injuries can lead to severe complications, increased patient discomfort, and longer hospital stays. Roper Hospital, part of Roper St. Francis Healthcare in Charleston, SC, faced rising HAPI rates in their 6 East medical-surgical unit. Determined to find a solution, the hospital implemented the Hercules Patient Repositioner™, an innovative tool designed to simplify patient boosting alongside a targeted change in nursing practices. The results? A dramatic reduction in HAPI incidence to zero over five months.
The Challenge: Increasing HAPI Rates and Staff Strain
Roper Hospital is known for its patient-centric care, earning accolades like the Healthgrades Outstanding Patient Experience Award and ranking among the Top 100 Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics. However, in 2016, their 6 East unit, which houses high-acuity patients with long hospital stays, experienced a sharp increase in HAPI incidence. With Braden Scores—used to assess the risk of pressure injuries—ranging between 7 and 12, these patients were highly susceptible to pressure injuries due to immobility and extended periods in bed.
For nurses, the traditional methods of boosting patients were cumbersome, time-consuming, and posed risks of injury to caregivers. Finding additional staff for manual repositioning was often difficult, adding to the challenges of providing frequent, timely patient care. This combination of factors contributed to higher HAPI rates, which demanded a better, more efficient solution.
Introducing the Hercules Patient Repositioner™
To address these challenges, Roper Hospital turned to the Hercules Patient Repositioner™. This automated system allows a single caregiver to boost a patient in bed with the push of a button, eliminating the need for additional staff, reducing the strain on nurses, and increasing the frequency of repositioning. More importantly, it enhances patient comfort by making the boosting process smoother and less intrusive.
Recognizing Hercules’ potential to change nursing practices and improve patient outcomes, Roper Hospital initiated a 20-week research project to evaluate its effectiveness. The project was led by a multidisciplinary team, including Angela Becker, RN, MSN, and Kimberly Parker, RN-BC, MSN, who sought to determine whether this technology could help reduce HAPI incidence rates by encouraging more frequent boosting.
Project Goals: Changing the Way Nurses Boost Patients
The project’s primary objective was to remove barriers to frequent patient boosting, contributing to pressure injuries. Specifically, the research focused on:
- Time Constraints: Nurses often need more time to complete manual repositioning during busy shifts.
- Staff Availability: Boosting typically requires multiple caregivers, making it difficult to provide timely care.
- Caregiver Safety: Manually boosting patients increased the risk of caregiver injuries, leading to hesitancy in task performance.
- Patient Discomfort: Traditional methods of boosting often cause pain and discomfort to patients, discouraging frequent repositioning.
As Ms. Becker explained, pressure injuries are preventable, and frequent boosting is key to preventing sustained pressure on vulnerable areas of the skin. The team hypothesized that if the Hercules system could simplify boosting, nurses would incorporate it into their routine more often, leading to better patient outcomes.
Methodology: Implementing a New Standard of Care
The 20-week research project was structured around Lewin’s Theory of Planned Change, a model emphasizing recognizing the problem, communicating a solution, and driving implementation. Becker and her team began by educating staff on the rising HAPI rates in their unit and the significant barriers posed by traditional boosting methods. Caregivers were introduced to the Hercules Patient Repositioner™ and trained on integrating frequent repositioning into every patient interaction.
The approach was simple but effective: nurses were instructed to boost patients every time they entered the room, even if it was just a minor adjustment of an inch or two. This frequent, low-effort repositioning aimed to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas, improve circulation, and prevent pressure injuries from developing.
The Results: Zero HAPI Incidence for Five Months
By the end of the 20-week study, the results were extraordinary. The unit recorded zero HAPI cases for five consecutive months, and this success continued for an additional two months beyond the study period. The simplicity of using the Hercules Patient Repositioner™ and a change in nursing practices led to eradicating pressure injuries in the 6 East unit.
Kimberly Parker, RN-BC, MSN, noted that this new standard of care had become second nature for the nursing staff. “Boosting patients frequently, even a small amount, made a significant difference in patient outcomes. It was clear that eliminating the barriers to traditional boosting could positively impact both our HAPI rates and the patient experience,” she explained.
Unexpected Benefits: Improved Braden Score Accuracy and Patient Satisfaction
While the primary goal was to reduce HAPI rates, the study revealed several additional benefits:
- Improved Braden Score Accuracy: Frequent repositioning allowed caregivers to assess skin risk more accurately, leading to more precise Braden Scores for patients. This improvement helped the team better tailor care plans for high-risk individuals.
- Increased Patient and Family Satisfaction: Many patients and their families reported that the Hercules system significantly improved comfort during their stay. Boosting, once painful, became nearly invisible, resulting in more positive patient feedback.
- Enhanced Caregiver Well-being: The use of the Hercules system also positively impacted staff morale and safety. By reducing the physical demands of manual boosting, the hospital demonstrated its commitment to protecting the health of its caregivers, reinforcing a culture of care and safety.
Conclusion: A Path Forward for Hospitals Nationwide
Roper Hospital’s success with the Hercules Patient Repositioner™ offers valuable insights for healthcare institutions facing similar challenges. By embracing innovative technologies and implementing evidence-based nursing practice changes, hospitals can drastically reduce HAPI rates, improve patient experiences, and protect the well-being of their caregivers. As Roper Hospital plans to expand the use of Hercules across more units, it sets an inspiring example of how simple changes in care practices can yield profound results.
If your healthcare facility seeks to improve patient outcomes and reduce preventable injuries, consider the benefits of the Hercules Patient Repositioner™. Learn more at The Morel Company or call 855-932-6100 to discover how this technology can revolutionize patient care.