Patients who enter the hospital with a pressure ulcer are at a higher risk for developing additional ulcers, worsening their current pressure ulcer condition, and even mortality. This is bad news for long-term care providers, as most elderly patients are frequently hospitalized. According to a recent study released by UCLA, out of 51,000 Medicare beneficiaries 16.7% of patients who entered the hospital with a pressure ulcer developed an additional sore during their stay. In addition, 4.5% of patients that did not have a bedsore prior to their hospitalization, developed one. [1]
Proper documentation can help facilities communicate the condition of a patient during and after a facility transfer, as well as prevent any liability which could become associated with a pre-existing bedsore. Common causes of bedsores include incontinence and immobility. However, any sign of a bedsore should be documented and treated immediately.
“Pressure sores and incontinence in elderly and immobile individuals often come hand-in-hand,” said Mercer, president of National Incontinence, “Hospital staffs and caretakers need to be aware of how and when bedsores form and what can be done to prevent them. Any sign of redness on the body should raise a red flag.”
Woundrounds technology can help long-term care providers by providing them with the resources to prevent, treat, and document pressure ulcers with the latest mobile technology. For more information, visit woundrounds.com.
[1] Ashton, MD. “Hospital Pressure Sores May Increase Patient Mortality and Readmissions.” PRWeb. Web. 01 November 2012.
