Skin integrity is currently a hot topic in healthcare. There are many reasons why healthcare professionals are implementing new initiatives in skin integrity and pressure ulcer prevention. From a surge in recent research pertaining to pressure ulcers, to the new Medicare Guidelines taking effect in October 2008, much is happening to raise awareness of the issue of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Additionally, professional organizations like AORN are critical to advancing awareness of the issue through their release of new standards and practices to help prevent and treat hospital-acquired pressure ulcers.

RECENT DATA Facts and statistics on the cost and prevalence of intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers.

AWARENESS Non-profit organizations and healthcare groups are taking steps to educate and raise awareness of hospital acquired pressure ulcers.

MEDICARE Effective October 2008, Medicare will no longer reimburse for pressure ulcers acquired on the hospital’s watch.