Horizon is improving quality of patient care and overall experience through expansion of a program to prevent pressure injuries

All New Brunswickers deserve accessible and quality health care and a positive patient experience, and this initiative is one example of how Horizon is committed to providing that every day.

(HORIZON) – A pilot program helping improve the quality of patient care and overall patient experience by preventing or reducing the severity of skin pressure injuries is being expanded across Horizon.

The Pressure Injury Prevention (PIP) program, which started as a pilot project in the Saint John area, saw significant success in reducing the occurrence and severity of inpatient skin pressure injuries, which occur when constant pressure is applied to the skin and are often extremely painful and lead to extended hospital stays.

“I am encouraged by the success of this pilot, and I’m confident that the expansion of this program will continue to enhance the overall quality of care patients receive in our hospitals and improve patient flow by preventing extended hospital stays,” said Brenda Kinney, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer.

The rollout teams help educate staff on PIP, the importance of skin assessments, and the new documentation process. Weekly meetings and assessments will take place, and all documentation will be integrated.  Once the program has been implemented on a unit, monitoring will happen for three to four months, supported by continued staff education to ensure sustainability and continued success.

The rollout will take place in two phases with the initial rollout, which was completed in January, focused on key units, such as family medicine and health and aging, at each of Horizon’s hospitals. The full rollout will include all nursing units at every Horizon hospital and facility. It is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Horizon has a plan to improve health care in New Brunswick. Our plan is focused on retention and recruitment efforts and improving the overall patient experience by addressing patient flow and access to services. Further details about Horizon’s four priority areas are available at HorizonNB.ca. This initiative also supports the Government of New Brunswick’s provincial health plan, Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action.

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