How often should a prevention protocol be reviewed for patients at risk of pressure injuries?

The recommended practice is to review a prevention protocol weekly or as the patient’s condition changes. This approach promotes proactive management of pressure injury risk, allowing for timely adjustments based on the patient's individual needs and risk factors. Factors such as changes in mobility, nutritional status, and overall health can significantly influence the risk of developing pressure injuries, necessitating regular and dynamic assessment of the prevention strategies in place.

Regular reviews also ensure that care plans remain relevant and effective, adapting to any new challenges that may arise during treatment. This can include changes due to surgical procedures, wounds, or other medical interventions that may affect skin integrity or mobility levels.

While discharging a patient is a critical time to assess and potentially modify prevention plans, relying solely on that moment misses the opportunity for ongoing evaluation and adjustment during hospitalization. Daily reviews may be excessive and impractical for all patients, particularly if there are no significant changes in their condition. Therefore, a weekly review or as necessary aligns best with best practices in wound care management.