CMS to Put Pressure on Providers for Decubitus Ulcer Prevention

There is a renewed urgency and heightened focus on prevention as a result of the CMS changes, according to members of the International Expert Wound Care advisory panel.

“Like any groundbreaking policy, this provides impetus for change,” they wrote in the aforementioned consensus paper. “We view this payment provision as challenging, but one that provides all clinicians and particularly wound care specialists with an opportunity to assume leadership in important preventive healthcare strategies.”

It’s crucial that healthcare facilities take a hard look at their current pressure ulcer prevention strategies to make certain they are optimal, according to the creators of Medline’s Pressure Ulcer Prevention Program. This program was released recently and combines a product bundle, education and training, and program support to assist in reducing healthcare-acquired pressure ulcers.² It was created by a panel of wound care specialists.

The product bundle includes moisturizers, cleansers, protectants and antifungals, all of which contain amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants. Incontinence products are also part of the product bundle. In a press release, Medline representatives stated that they know the care of incontinent patients is “extremely challenging and time-consuming.”

The Medline bundle program includes training through workbooks (for nurses, nurse assistants, and instructors) that show how to prevent pressure ulcers. The program also offers patient and family education brochures, and a rewards program for staff members who comply with good practices.

Incontinence

Incontinence provides almost endless challenges to patient care, especially when it comes to skin health. However, much better care could be given, according at least to a survey by Sage Products.