GPO - Group Purchasing Organization

Pressure Ulcer - Localized injury to the skin and/or underlying tissue usually over a bony prominence, as a result of pressure, or pressure in combination with shear and/or friction. (NPUAP, 2007)

Prevalence and Incidence Study -   A form of benchmarking. Prevalence and Incidence studies establish a baseline to assist in managing clinical outcomes.

Prevalence - Includes old and new cases and is usually assessed on a cross-sectional, one-time basis.  (For this study all patients will be assessed within 24 hours.)

Prevalence % formula - Patients with pressure ulcers / Patients assessed

Incidence -  Includes new cases occurring over a given time period.

Incidence % formula - Patients with pressure ulcers / Patients assessed

Unit Length of stay (LOS) -  The average number of days a patient stays in a particular unit. For this study, the units included are the adult medical, surgical and critical care units in the facility. The Incidence study date is calculated by using the length of stay number for each unit registered. In order to ensure the accuracy of data collected on Incidence study day, it is imperative that the length of stay be correct.

Calculating the day for the Incidence study -  Example for calculating a one day Incidence study for a facility with 3 units: Medical Unit LOS = 4 days, Surgical Unit LOS = 5 days, CCU LOS = 5 days.  The calculated length of stay for this study would be 4 days.  The Incidence study would be conducted four days after prevalence. If the LOS for the units is significantly different: Medical unit LOS = 3 days, Surgical unit = 7 days. It is recommended that two separate Incidence studies be done.
Extended Care Unit Note: If data is collected in extended care units, the results will be reported separately.