Abstract
Purpose: To assess the relationship between the implementation of a FRAIL scale and the number of specialty mattresses ordered on a Cardiac Progressive Care Unit [CPCU]|Background: Hospital acquired pressure injuries [HAPI] are a significant burden on the healthcare system. Frailty is not a routine assessment completed on patients in the hospital. Patients who are frail face added challenges and are at an increased risk for adverse outcomes. The FRAIL scale is a validated tool that can identify risk and facilitate individualized care. On the CPCU the use of specialty mattresses is inconsistent. Implementation of the FRAIL scale is needed to quickly identify patients at an increased risk for developing a HAPI.|Sample/Setting: An eight-week pilot project was conducted on the CPCU. All patients 18 years and older were included in the project.|Methods: An eight-week pre-data chart review was conducted to establish baseline data. The chart review included a review of patients’ Braden scale, the number of specialty mattresses ordered, and who ordered the specialty mattresses. Education was conducted prior to implementation for all staff members. Staff were educated on how to implement the FRAIL scale, and on the ordering process of specialty mattresses. Patients admitted to the CPCU had a FRAIL scale assessment completed within 24 hours of admission. If the patients scored a three or more on the FRAIL scale, a specialty mattress was ordered.|Results: Baseline pre-data chart review revealed that three out of 272 patients had a specialty mattress ordered. Of the 229 patients admitted during the eight-week pilot study, 130 patients received a FRAIL scale assessment. There was a total of 22 specialty mattresses ordered during the implementation period.
Conclusion: There were significantly more mattresses ordered based on the FRAIL scale.