Pressure ulcers are expensive adverse events, and a cause of pain and distress. Our main aim was to facilitate implementation of a strategy to reduce avoidable ward-acquired pressure ulcer occurrence in a community hospital setting. A secondary aim was to assess nursing staffs knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention. Action research methodology was used to empower two nursing teams to work towards reducing pressure ulcer occurrence using a SKIN bundle approach. Audits produced data on pressure ulcer prevention knowledge. An education intervention to aid implementation of the strategy was designed and delivered. Audits produced data on the occurrence of pressure ulcers during strategy development and implementation. Knowledge scores increased during the study. The study was context specific, but produced a prevention model with a longterm aim of reducing avoidable ward-acquired pressure ulcer occurrence, which could be adapted to similar settings.
