Implementing the Braden QD scale in the neonatal intensive care unit population

Background

Newborns are at risk for skin injuries within two days of admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A skin risk assessment tool identifies patients at risk for skin injuries.

Methods

A quality improvement project aimed to implement the Braden QD (BQD) as the standard of care. The outcome measures included a BQD documented within 12 hours of admission, subsequent BQD documentation every 12 hours, and implementation of nursing education and training on using the BQD with a target to train at least 80% of the nursing staff. During staff meetings, nurses were trained to utilize the BQD. A retrospective chart review was used to collect data.

Results

A retrospective chart review conducted for 27 days post-implementation demonstrated that 80% of neonates had a BQD within 12 hours of admission, 82.19% of neonates had a BQD every 12 hours, and 83% of the staff completed the training.

Conclusion

The BQD was implemented as a new standard of care.