Pressure Injury Prevention In Acute Care Hospitals: Nursing Interventions And Utilization Patterns

Abstract

Pressure injuries (PIs), commonly known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, remain a persistent challenge in acute care hospitals despite advances in nursing care and preventive strategies. These injuries not only contribute to prolonged hospital stays, increased patient morbidity and mortality, and higher healthcare costs, but also serve as indicators of the quality of nursing care delivered. Preventive strategies in acute care settings have increasingly emphasized the role of evidence-based nursing interventions, including risk assessment tools, repositioning techniques, pressure-relieving surfaces, skin care protocols, and patient and staff education.This review article aims to examine the utilization patterns and effectiveness of nursing interventions for pressure injury prevention in acute care hospitals. The study content emphasizes how preventive measures are integrated into nursing practice, the outcomes achieved, and the gaps that remain in current practices. A systematic review of published literature from 2015 to 2024 was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles focusing on adult acute care populations, nursing-led preventive strategies, and outcome-based evaluations were included. Data were analyzed to assess intervention efficacy, implementation challenges, and resource utilization.Results from the review demonstrate that consistent use of validated risk assessment scales, combined with timely repositioning and utilization of advanced support surfaces, significantly reduces the incidence of pressure injuries. Nurse-led education programs and interprofessional teamwork were found to be critical in sustaining preventive outcomes. However, challenges such as staffing shortages, variability in adherence to protocols, and gaps in documentation were identified as barriers to effective implementation.In conclusion, pressure injury prevention in acute care hospitals requires a holistic, evidence-based nursing approach. Successful implementation depends on integrating standardized risk assessment, nursing vigilance, adequate staffing, use of pressure-relieving devices, and continuous education. While progress has been made, pressure injuries remain a significant concern, highlighting the need for stronger policies, enhanced training, and resource allocation. The findings of this review underscore the essential role of nurses in driving quality improvement and patient safety in acute care environments.