Applications / Wound Prevention
Pressure ulcers are a common problem in any situation where patients are compromised because of immobility, nutrition, incontinence, or age. They are very painful and very costly. Preventive measures such as pressure relief aids, specialized beds, and mattresses are expensive and therefore cannot be used for every patient. Targeting the pressure relief is a much more cost effective way to manage this problem. By having advanced knowledge at the time of admission that a pressure ulcer is forming, the caregiver can take the appropriate steps to prevent its development.
The EPISCAN is ideal for use within acute and long term care facilities for the early detection and prevention of pressure ulcers. Its portability allows it to be used at the bedside. Its ease of use makes it possible to do an exam in a minimal amount of time.
Pressure ulcers are a prime outcome measure for long term care and acute care facilities. "Pressure ulcer development is an important outcome measure because it is a common complication, it is largely preventable, and it can be costly both to patients and to health care providers." (US Department of Health) Currently pressure ulcers are considered by CMS to be both a “high cost” and” high volume” condition. According to the CMS final ruling released on August 1, 2007 by the Office of External Affairs; beginning October 2008, CMS will no longer reimburse for “reasonably preventable” hospital acquired pressure ulcers.
Pressure ulcers are a primary cause for litigation and regulatory sanctions. The reported incidence of pressure ulcers varies greatly among studies; however, all agree that the incidence should be lower than what presently exists.
Acute-care hospitals treat about 2.5 million pressure ulcers each year according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
Long term care reports a national average of 13% for incidence of high risk residents with pressure ulcers.
Estimates for the cost of treating all pressure ulcers in the US range anywhere from $1.3 - $11 billion annually. (Wall Street Journal)
Read more on the use of the EPISCAN for early detection of pressure ulcers Click Here