Preventing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries with Inpatient Wound Care

How a comprehensive approach to inpatient wound care can reduce HAPI rates and improve patient outcomes

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPI) remain a persistent challenge in healthcare, with significant implications for patient outcomes, hospital performance metrics, and financial sustainability. In the high-stakes environment of inpatient care, these preventable injuries can disrupt recovery, extend hospital stays, and lead to costly complications.

There are an estimated 2.5 million HAPIs occurring annually in the United States.(1), costing an estimated $26.8 billion each year. More needs to be done, however many facilities are left struggling for solutions.

Inpatient wound care programs are the solution so many facilities have been searching for. In a recent case study, we found that effective wound care strategies cut HAPI costs by half in just one year, for a Level 1 trauma hospital- - enhancing both patient outcomes and hospital efficiency! Offering a proactive, evidence-based solution to address these challenges head-on. By implementing structured protocols, enhancing staff education, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, hospitals can significantly reduce the incidence of HAPI while improving care transitions and discharge efficiency. 

Understanding the Challenge of Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries

HAPI occurs when unrelieved pressure damages the skin and underlying tissues, often exacerbated by immobility, inadequate monitoring, and gaps in preventive care. These injuries not only impact patients’ quality of life but also increase the risk of infection, lengthen hospital stays, and strain resources.

For many hospitals, the challenge lies in coordinating an effective strategy across departments to ensure early identification and intervention. Without standardized processes, pressure injury prevention efforts can become inconsistent, leaving vulnerable patients at greater risk.

The Role of Inpatient Wound Care in HAPI Prevention

An optimized inpatient wound care program addresses these challenges through a multifaceted approach. It starts with a foundation of clinical expertise and process standardization, empowering care teams to:

• Enhance patient care through consistent processes and expert guidance
• Perform thorough and consistent skin checks to identify at-risk patients
• Implement advanced prevention measures, such as pressure redistribution techniques and specialized dressings
• Deliver targeted education to ensure all staff members are equipped with the latest best practices
• Achieve financial stability by optimizing care transitions and discharge processes

By fostering a proactive culture of prevention, inpatient wound care programs not only reduce the risk of HAPI but also enhance overall patient care.

From Blueprint to Bedside: How CutisCare Can Help

CutisCare specializes in helping hospitals implement and optimize inpatient wound care programs tailored to their unique needs. From designing the facility design to executing bedside strategies, we provide a comprehensive approach that ensures:

• Seamless integration of advanced technologies and clinical protocols
• Standardized workflows to streamline care delivery
• Ongoing education to close gaps in knowledge and improve staff performance

Through a single point of contact, we bring expertise and coordination to every step of the process, ensuring that your team has the tools and support needed to succeed.

The Benefits of a Proactive Approach

Hospitals partnering with CutisCare have seen tangible results, including:

• A marked reduction in HAPI rates through consistent preventive measures
• Improved patient outcomes, leading to faster recovery and higher satisfaction
• Greater operational efficiency with smoother transitions from inpatient to outpatient care

Preventing hospital-acquired pressure injuries is not just about avoiding complications—it’s about delivering the highest standard of care. With CutisCare’s expertise, hospitals can build and sustain programs that protect patients, support care teams, and enhance overall performance.

By tackling everything from blueprint to bedside, CutisCare empowers hospitals to transform inpatient wound care into a cornerstone of excellence. Contact us today to learn how you can start reducing your HAPI occurrences!