Evaluating the efficacy of a uniquely delivered skin protectant and its effect on the formation of sacral/buttock pressure ulcers.

Skin breakdown is a common adverse occurrence in healthcare facilities; effective management of related risk factors is critical for prevention. Measures focusing on the skin care of patients with incontinence are recommended to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers on the sacrum and ischium. However, little research exists to support these recommendations. A retrospective study was conducted to determine if the use of a skin cleansing/protectant product on residents with incontinence decreased the incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers in the sacral/buttock area. Chart data from all residents with incontinence of a 57-bed, long-term care, skilled nursing home that employs a comprehensive approach to pressure ulcer prevention were collected for a period of 3 months before use of the new product and for 3 months following introduction of the new product. During the first 3 months, five (14.7%) of the 34 incontinent residents developed superficial pressure ulcers (20% were Stage I, 80% were Stage II). Following the change in skin care, no pressure ulcers occurred in the 30 residents with incontinence. The observed decrease (McNemar's chi-square = 4.786, df = 1, Phi = -.273, P =.015) suggests a significant association between the consistent application of a skin protectant and the prevention of skin breakdown. The results of this study demonstrate that, in this population, and in the presence of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program, use of this skin protectant can significantly reduce the incidence of nosocomial sacral/buttocks pressure ulcers.