Stop the Pressure: Implementing a Dedicated Turn Team to Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries on 5D (Medical-Surgical Unit)

Publication Date

2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing

Department

Nursing, School of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Linda Wofford

Presentation Type

Gallery

Summary

Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) remain a persistent patient safety concern on the 5D medical-surgical/post-surgical unit, where older adults with limited mobility and prolonged hospitalizations are at risk. National prevalence estimates indicate HAPIs affect approximately 12.8% of hospitalized adults, reflecting the need for reliable prevention strategies (McMahon et al., 2025). This project proposes implementing a dedicated Turn Team to improve repositioning compliance and reduce HAPI incidence, with a goal to decrease HAPIs by 40% within six months and achieve 95% compliance with two-hour repositioning for high-risk patients (Braden ≤18) within three months. Implementation will occur in phases with unit leadership and wound care specialists: month one for planning and staff education; months two-three for pilot testing with compliance audits; and months four-six for full unit integration. Two mobility technicians per shift (estimated $14,000–$15,000 per month) will coordinate with bedside nurses and document real-time repositioning. Process mapping and a Fishbone diagram will identify barriers such as staffing variability, workflow challenges, and inconsistent repositioning practices, supporting short-staffed shifts and maximizing efficiency. Outcomes will be measured using baseline and post-implementation chart audits, direct observation of turning, and staff workload surveys at three and six months. Because treatment for one pressure injury can cost $20,000–$70,000, preventing a few injuries could offset staffing costs and demonstrate a positive return on investment (AHRQ, 2023). Audit feedback and leadership oversight will support accountability and sustainability. By improving repositioning reliability and reducing nursing workload, this initiative will enhance patient safety, improve care quality, and support sustainable pressure injury prevention.

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