Evaluating the impact on hospital acquired pressure injury/ulcer incidence in a United Kingdom NHS Acute Trust from use of sub-epidermal scanning technology.

Background: The incidence of pressure injury/ulcers is persistent despite multiple prevention strategies in hospitals across the globe. Current standard of pressure injury/ulcer care supported by subjective skin tissue assessments, risk assessment tools and clinical judgement is ineffective in consistent pressure injury/ulcer prevention.

Aim: A pragmatic study, aligning with SQUIRE guidelines, was conducted at Chelsea and Westminster hospitals to measure the impact of adding scanning technology to the prevailing standard of care pathway on the incidence of category 2-4 hospital-acquired pressure injury/ulcers.

Clinical impact of a sub-epidermal moisture scanner: what is the real-world use?

Objective: The presence of sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) over a bony prominence is indicative of incipient pressure ulcer (pressure injury/decubitus/bedsore) (PU). Early identification of patients at increased risk of PU can prompt interventions that reduce the incidence and severity of hospital (or community)-acquired PUs (HAPUs). This study evaluated the clinical utility of a SEM Scanner device in HAPU management.