Safety solutions: Wound care. A prevention initiative to decrease HAPUs at two acute care hospitals.

The article examines the implementation of a comprehensive pressure ulcers (PU) prevention program in two acute care hospitals in Phoenix, Arizona. Topics discussed include recognition of a deficiency in the area of PU prevention caused by the impact of Medicare reimbursement rules, the appointment of a new director for wound care, and hiring of a wound ostomy continence nurse. The development of a multidisciplinary wound team and implementation of a skin assessment protocol are mentioned.