November 21, 2024 is Worldwide Pressure Injury Prevention Day (PIPD). This is a topic Patients for Patient Safety Canada (PFPSC) cares deeply about because we know from our own experience and from evidence that the harm from this preventable injury is more than the pain and discomfort suffered by the patient and the family caregiver, it is psychological, emotional and financial.
Watch our 2-part exploration of this topic on your YouTube channel.
According to the Canadian Institue for Health Information the number of pressure injuries (also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores) is increasing every year. Even though there are many guidelines and programs in place to help address this problem. Family caregivers can help prevent those injuries if healthcare workers engage them as partners in care.
Here is how each of us can contribute to preventing pressure injuries:
ASK
ASK about if you or your loved ones are at risk, how to prevent pressure injuries, and what signs to look for.
LISTEN to the experiences of others with empathy and respect for their truth. It’s normal to think that this can’t happen to you, that’s what the people who share their stories thought too.
ACT to prevent pressure ulcers by supporting family caregivers to engage in the care of their loved ones in all settings. They are essential members of the care team both in acute or long-term as well as at home.
Patients, families, and healthcare workers have the same goal: prevent the avoidable harm due to pressure injuries. Together we can make a difference!
When a pressure injury is identified, patients and families expect the healthcare team to disclose it right away and find ways to improve safety. Learn more what to do if you experienced a patient safety incident.
Please share and add your stories on social media using #patients4safety; #WPIPD2024;
Get in touch to start making a difference today.
“In honor of those who have died, those left disabled, our loved ones today and the world’s children yet to be born, we will strive for excellence, so that all involved in healthcare are as safe as possible as soon as possible.” – LONDON DECLARATION