Maria Parham Medical Center Participates in National Initiative
1/21/2010
Maria Parham Medical Center Participates in National Initiative
As a further commitment to provide the best patient care possible, Maria Parham Medical Center signed a commitment to participate in the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence National Initiative for “The Prevention of Pressure Ulcers”. This improvement initiative is part of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 9th Scope of Work. Maria Parham is one of 28 acute care hospitals in NC participating in this initiative.
Pressure ulcers affect 2.5 million patients each year (CCME 2009). Those most at risk of developing pressure ulcers (also called pressure sores or bed sores) are those whose mobility or sensation of pressure are impaired. This includes the elderly, stroke victims, people with dementia or head injuries and anyone who is bedridden or confined to a wheelchair. This injury is caused by unrelieved pressure to the skin, which cuts off the circulation to the area. While pressure sores can develop on any area where pressure is not relieved, it often happens over bony prominence such as the heels, ankles or the sacrum (tailbone). These areas have less padding of fatty tissue or muscle, and the skin is compressed between a hard surface and the bone. Pressure ulcers can also be caused by friction on delicate skin from rubbing on sheets, casts or braces.
In an effort to get needed information about this initiative to hospital staff, a committee called the Skin and Wound Action Team (SWAT) was formed. The team is led by Kathy Thomas RN, BSN, CWOCN and Amanda Wilkins, RN. Thomas is Maria Parham’s Certified Wound Ostomy Continence Nurse. Thomas and Wilkins serve as the committee’s education and resource coordinators. Additional team members consist of Registered Nurses from designated inpatient units who have the responsibility of serving as skin and wound care ‘champions’ for their specific unit. Dr. Robert Noel serves as the team’s physician liaison. The assistant directors for each unit also play a role.
In an effort to educate staff members to the new initiative, “Skin Care Fairs” have been held for the Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). The team continues to provide resource materials and updates and routinely holds classes for their nursing staff. Team members have also gone out into the community and held educational sessions for nursing home staff who care for bedridden patients as well.
Maria Parham Medical Center is a private, non-profit, full-service regional hospital serving the people of north central North Carolina and Southside Virginia. With a team of more than 150 physicians and 700 clinical and support staff, Maria Parham offers a wide range of services and the latest technology to meet the healthcare needs of the community. Maria Parham, located in Henderson, NC, is fully accredited by both The Joint Commission and CMS.
For more information about Maria Parham Medical Center, please call (252) 436-1800 or visit www.mphosp.org.