Lourdes Health Talk

Pressure ulcers are skin injuries caused by prolonged pressure. Commonly known as bedsores, these abrasions result from staying in one position for too long. They often appear on body parts where the skin is close to the flesh, like ankles, hips, heels and the tailbone.Eight months ago, Lourdes hospitals began using a unique monitoring device called the Leaf Patient Monitoring System with a goal of reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers, sometimes called bed sores, that occur at hospitals.Since that time, Lourdes has had a hospital-wide average of 90 percent patient-turn (repositioning of the patient) compliance, among the best of the hospitals working with Leaf Healthcare. Maria Brennan, DNP, RN, discusses how to prevent pressure ulcers, improve patient comfort and reduce hospital stays exacerbated by this condition.