The Problem of Pressure Injuries

It is far, far more advantageous to the patient, nurse, physician, and health care organization to prevent rather than treat hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Treating pressure injuries involves reducing pressure on the affected skin, caring for wounds, controlling pain, treating infection, and maintaining good nutrition, all of which is resource-intensive in time, money, and effort, not to mention the multiple untoward effects suffered by the patient.

HAP is dedicated to working with Pennsylvania hospitals to decrease the incidence of hospital-acquired pressure injuries. Through the use of evidence-based protocols, targeted education, technical assistance, and the development of individual action plans for rapid improvement, hospitals have the opportunity to participate in this time-tested collaborative program.

A Few Sobering Statistics

Number of people affected:

2.5 million individuals per year. Older adults and people who live in nursing homes are especially vulnerable.

Death:

About 60,000 individuals die as a direct result of pressure injuries each year.

Cost:

Pressure injuries cost $9.1 billion to $11.9 billion per year in the United States. The cost of individual patient care ranges from $20,900 to $151,700 per pressure injury.

Lifestyle:

Pressure injuries may be associated with severe pain, as well as reduced independence, embarrassment, increased hospital stay, and a decreased quality of life.

 

HAP Contacts

For further information on the HAP HIIN Pressure Injury Prevention Project, please contact project manager Janette Bisbee, MSN, RN-BC, CPXP, NHA. Media inquiries should be directed to Kim Yakowski, manager, media relations.

 


HAP News


February 14, 2025

National Donor Day: 5 Facts to Know

Today is not just Valentines Day—it’s also National Donor Day. The annual observance is dedicated to spreading awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation and the opportunity to share the love by becoming a donor.

February 13, 2025

Report Details Threats to America’s Rural Health Safety Net

The state of care across rural areas in the U.S. is under intense pressure with reduced reimbursements, dwindling access to care, and deteriorating population health status causing alarming instability, according to a recent report by Chartis, a health care consulting firm.

February 11, 2025

What to Know: Another Bird Flu Strain

Public health officials are monitoring recent reports of a new strain of the avian influenza that has been recently detected in dairy herds for the first time.

+