News
ICViewExpert PerspectivesMedical World NewsVideosWebinars
Conference CoverageConference ListingAPIC Chapters
Infection Control TodaySupplements And Featured Publications
CME/CEEditorial Advisory BoardJob BoardPartnersSponsoredWhitepapers
Subscribe
Educator of the Year Official Rules2024 Educator of the Year Winner2023 Educator of the Year WinnerEducator of the Year
Advanced TechnologyAdvanced TechnologyAdvanced Technology
Bug of the Month
COVID-19
Environmental ServicesEnvironmental Services
HAIs
Hand Hygiene
IC Trends
Long-Term CareLong-Term Care
Operating Room
Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment
Policy
PreventionPreventionPreventionPrevention
Sterile ProcessingSterile Processing
Surface Disinfection
Vascular Access
Spotlight -
  • IC Trends
  • Bug of the Month
  • Featured Articles
  • Featured Columns
  • Pathogen Playbook
Advanced TechnologyAdvanced TechnologyAdvanced Technology
Bug of the Month
COVID-19
Environmental ServicesEnvironmental Services
HAIs
Hand Hygiene
IC Trends
Long-Term CareLong-Term Care
Operating Room
Personal Protective EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment
Policy
PreventionPreventionPreventionPrevention
Sterile ProcessingSterile Processing
Surface Disinfection
Vascular Access
    • News
    • Subscribe
Advertisement

Risk Assessments Related to Skin Integrity are Critical to Satisfactory Patient Outcomes

August 3, 2017
Article

ICT spoke to Margaret Falconio-West, senior vice president of clinical services for Medline Industries, Inc., about imperatives related to patient skin integrity. 

Q: How critical is it for hospitals to conduct risk assessments for pressure ulcers/injuries and wound complications in at-risk patients, and what are some considerations for this process?
A: It is very critical for a hospital to assess risk of developing a pressure injury as well as the risk of infection or complications.
• All patients should be assessed for risk of skin breakdown. Think about a healthy, young athletic high schooler that is admitted through the ER/ED– the initial risk assessment says that he is not at risk. He quickly takes a turn for the worse and becomes immobile, diaphoretic, and is not eating – his risk level just soared and another Braden Scale evaluation has not yet been performed.  Understanding that the amount of pressure required to cause damage (or a pressure injury) is indirectly proportional to the amount of time that pressure is applied. 
• To me, if there is skin there is a risk. We also know that levels of risk exist. For example, those with multiple co-morbidities, poor blood flow, decrease food and water intake, as well as mobility issues are going to be at higher risk.
• Pressure injury complications can range from non-healing to infection to death.  Assessment and prevention are going to be key factors in promoting best outcomes.
• Two main things should be hard-wired into the staff mind:  risk assessment and interventions, and complication awareness. These critical concepts must be part of all training, new staff orientation, and routine refresher courses in order to bring about improved patient outcomes.

Q: What are some best practices to promote skin health in patients with wounds or pressure ulcers/injuries, or who are at risk for developing them?
A: Treatment to keep the skin healthy is a prevention best practice. When thinking about overall best practices for skin health, here are a few things facilities should consider: 
• The first step in prevention is complete and comprehensive assessment of the risk.  Know what to look for and what to do when some-thing is found. 
• The process of reversing or addressing risk factors begins once they are known. For example, it could include a special support surface for someone with immobility issues as well as dietary supplements, especially protein, for those with wounds. 
• Managing moisture, such as from incontinence, is another good practice using both appropriate containment (moisture wicking drypads or briefs) and good skin care.  Skin care in general must take into account the type of skin damage and try to correct the damage. 
• Skin care products that provide gentle cleansers, like phospholipids, should be utilized instead of harsh surfactants; dimethicone blends in-stead of occlusive barriers. Skin care that can deliver nutrients to the skin topically will help promote skin health.
Skin is the largest, most visible organ. Healthcare workers need a solution that speaks not only to prevention, but also is designed to address the treatment of varying skin breakdown. Guidelines exist but oftentimes lack context, consistency and versatility. That’s why Medline created Skintegrity, a first-of-its kind, comprehensive skin health management program centered around education, products and outcomes management to help facilities track improvements as well as identify areas that need further effort.

Q: What are some suggestions for developing and maintaining wound care/pressure ulcer/injury prevention educational programs for clinical staff?
A: Education for clinical staff:
• An effective program needs to be intuitive, simple to follow and easy to understand.  It also must include evidence-based information and the latest guidelines. Medline University offers a CE courses specific to wound care and pressure injuries that contain the latest industry trends and policies.  For example, the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel(NPUAP) released the new terminology for “pressure injury” (note the change from “pressure ulcer”) as well as new definitions in April 2016.  The NPUAP held a consensus conference where these new definitions and terminology were presented.  In summary, the biggest differences include the name change (to injury), the change from Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV) to Arabic Numbers (1,2,3,4), the removal of the word “Suspected” in Deep Tissue Pressure Injury (DTPI) and more clarification in the definitions.  Ultimately, these changes are designed to help the clinician assess and communicate better.
• It should incorporate current practices and how the new process will change.
• Importance of adult learning principles:
• Education programs must be tailored to meet their needs.  Some staff members learn by doing. Others are able to read about a process and turn around and do it, while others need to learn with both hands-on and written or oral instruction. Whatever the topic of education is, it should be available in several different formats. 
• Staff members need to understand how the new topic of their learning will help solve a problem, not just change practice for no reason.
• Having staff help develop the programs and have a say in how they are presented will help with staff buy-in and better understand staff needs.
• Motivation is a huge part of adult learning. Bring in real-life experiences, humor, involving social media, gaming, exploration, live interaction, thought provoking questions and bits of information – not a large chunk of information at one time.

Additionally, online education platforms offer healthcare workers the ability to take courses when the timing is most convenient for them.



Recent Videos
Concept images of Far-UVC  (Adobe Stock 316993517 by hopenv)
Anna Castillo-Gutierrez, CRCST, CSPDT, CHL, CIS, CFER,  and Maya Luera, CRCST, CIS, CER, CHL
Lucy Witt, MD
Kevin Anderson, MBA, BS, CRCST, Senior Manager, Commercial Education Services, Heatlthmark, a Getinge Company
Annet Adegboyega, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, CNOR; Mihyun "Rose" Jang, MSN, MPH, BSN, RN, CNOR; and Renilda Tijones, MSN, BSN, RN, CNOR.
Paulo J. M. Brois, DVM, MSN, RN; Luisa M. P. Soares, RN; and Teresa A. Santos, RN, at #AORN2025
Michael Sinnott, MBBS, FACEM, FRACP, at 2025 AORN Global Conference & Expo.
Meet Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB.
A veterinarian in a protective suit takes tests on animals on a farm.   (Adobe Stock 829620654 by Яна Ерік Татевосян)
Related Content

Simone Godwin, DVM, MPH, CIC

Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Outbreak at Surgery Center Highlights Infection Control Lapses

Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC
May 13th 2025
Article

A rare Tennessee outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum revealed deep gaps in infection prevention at outpatient surgery centers—where oversight, staffing, and reporting often fall short.


The disbanding of HICPAC  (Adobe Stock)

In the Wake of HICPAC: How APIC is Leading the Fight to Preserve National Infection Prevention Standards

Tori Whitacre Martonicz
May 13th 2025
Article

The disbanding of HICPAC has left infection prevention experts scrambling to preserve national standards and ensure continuity amid growing concern over science-driven public health policy. Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, speaks with ICT.


Endoscopy at the hospital. Doctor holding endoscope before gastroscopy  (Adobe Stock by romaset)

Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks

Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC
May 7th 2025
Article

Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.


Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN RN CNOR CRCST CHL

From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing

Tori Whitacre Martonicz
April 27th 2025
Article

Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.


Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB

A Chat With Marjorie Wall, EDBA: Human Factors, Innovation, and Collaboration for Safer Patient Outcomes in the SPD

Tori Whitacre Martonicz
April 25th 2025
Article

Sterile processing departments face high-stakes challenges daily. At AORN 2025, Marjorie Wall outlined transformative strategies to improve safety, efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration, and also discussed HSPA 2025.


Hospital Linens  (Adobe Stock)

The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens

Iris Verdi
April 25th 2025
Article

Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.

Related Content

Simone Godwin, DVM, MPH, CIC

Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium Outbreak at Surgery Center Highlights Infection Control Lapses

Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC
May 13th 2025
Article

A rare Tennessee outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum revealed deep gaps in infection prevention at outpatient surgery centers—where oversight, staffing, and reporting often fall short.


The disbanding of HICPAC  (Adobe Stock)

In the Wake of HICPAC: How APIC is Leading the Fight to Preserve National Infection Prevention Standards

Tori Whitacre Martonicz
May 13th 2025
Article

The disbanding of HICPAC has left infection prevention experts scrambling to preserve national standards and ensure continuity amid growing concern over science-driven public health policy. Connie Steed, MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, speaks with ICT.


Endoscopy at the hospital. Doctor holding endoscope before gastroscopy  (Adobe Stock by romaset)

Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks

Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC
May 7th 2025
Article

Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.


Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN RN CNOR CRCST CHL

From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing

Tori Whitacre Martonicz
April 27th 2025
Article

Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.


Marjorie Wall, EDBA, CRCST, CIS, CHL, CSSBB

A Chat With Marjorie Wall, EDBA: Human Factors, Innovation, and Collaboration for Safer Patient Outcomes in the SPD

Tori Whitacre Martonicz
April 25th 2025
Article

Sterile processing departments face high-stakes challenges daily. At AORN 2025, Marjorie Wall outlined transformative strategies to improve safety, efficiency, and cross-departmental collaboration, and also discussed HSPA 2025.


Hospital Linens  (Adobe Stock)

The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens

Iris Verdi
April 25th 2025
Article

Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.

Advertise
About Us
Editorial Board
Contact Us
Job Board
Terms and Conditions
Privacy
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Contact Info

2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512

609-716-7777

© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.
Home
About Us
News