Washington, DC – The American Health Care Association (AHCA) applauds the “culture of cooperation” between nursing facilities, Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) which has lead to a significant decrease in the incidence of pressure ulcers in nursing home residents.  A new study, “Collaborative Clinical Quality Improvement for Pressure Ulcers in Nursing Homes, ” authored by long term care experts highlights the fact that collaboration between these three integral components of nursing facility quality improvement efforts create better clinical outcomes.

“This recent study published in the respected Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reaffirms that collaborative efforts between nursing homes, QIOs and the federal government are effective in improving the care and patient outcomes for our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” stated Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of AHCA.  “It is noteworthy that by applying new measurement guidelines and care techniques, the incidence of the most serious pressure ulcers tracked was reduced by nearly 70 percent.”

Pressure ulcers are measured and categorized in four stages based upon level of skin breakdown and the degree of underlying tissue degeneration.  Stages I and II pressure ulcers are most common with the least amount of breakdown, and Stages III and IV indicate a much more invasive ulcer involving tissue and muscle and, in some circumstances, are life threatening.  

“The study underscores the need for the quality measures tracked by the federal government’s Nursing Home Compare website to be updated and improved to better assess patient outcomes,” continued Yarwood.

AHCA encourages CMS to swiftly adopt the study’s recommended changes for measuring pressure ulcers.  Yarwood concluded, “by updating the publicly reported measure for pressure ulcers in nursing home residents to reflect more accurate information, it will help consumers better assess the care provided in our nation’s long term care facilities.” 

Clinicians categorize, or stage, a pressure ulcer based on how deep it penetrates the skin and the level of underlying tissue involvement.  Stages I-II are more common and indicate superficial sores that cause relatively little suffering; Stages III and IV indicate an open wound extending through the full thickness of skin into underlying muscle and bone; they are quite painful and can be life threatening.  The study found that with QIO involvement, the incidence of Stages III and IV facility-acquired pressure ulcers was reduced by 69 percent.

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As the nation’s largest association of long term and post-acute care providers, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) advocates for quality care and services for frail, elderly and disabled Americans. Compassionate and caring employees provide essential care to one million individuals in our 11,000 not-for-profit and proprietary member facilities.