AHSN NENC Publication in the BMJ

AHSN NENC article published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

The Quality Improvement Report titled “Reducing pressure ulcers across multiple care settings using a collaborative approach” was published in August 2019 and highlights the work undertaken by the Pressure Ulcer Collaborative in the North East and North Cumbria.

Background

In early 2015, it was identified that for the North East and North Cumbria region the incidence of pressure ulcers was higher than the national average. Because of this, a 2-year Pressure Ulcer Collaborative was implemented, involving secondary care, community services, care homes and the ambulance service, with the aim of reducing the percentage of pressure ulcers developed by patients within their care.

Results

In year 1, pressure ulcers were reduced by 36%, and in year 2 by 33%, demonstrating an estimated cost saving during the lifespan of the Collaborative of £513 000, and a reduction in the number of bed days between 220 and 352.

Read the full article