Kee "PIN" it Clean: An Evidence-Based Practice on Pin Site Care

This Project aims to create a standardized Pin Site Care protocol that will serve as guidelines for Nursing Staff in caring for patients with External Fixators.
Background:
UC San Diego Health has no written guidelines on how to perform proper pin site care. Providers placing orders do not specify of what cleansing agent and dressing to utilize. Altogether, these gaps bring confusion and a lack of confidence for this patient population. Our Electronic Medical Records lacks a Pin Site intervention tab, making it challenging to track consistent care.
Methods:
Evidence shows that the use of 1:1 Hydrogen Peroxide mixed with Normal Saline solution covered with dry dressing is the best practice in performing Pin Site Care. A knowledge-based test and chart review were conducted to measure Staff competency and Pin Site Care completion.
Staff education was started during our monthly UBPC meeting through a PowerPoint presentation. I followed through with 1:1 and group teaching, shift huddles, booklets, and quick reference guides posted within our department. Pin Site Intervention tab was approved and added to our Electronic Medical Record System, a System-wide guideline and a standard Pin Site Care Order Set were created and published.
Results:
The pre-test indicated an average score of 3.30 out of 5.0. The post-test shows an improvement with an average score of 4.90 out of 5.0. Pre-intervention showed 26% of completed documentation (n=66) versus post-intervention showed 100% completion of correct documentation (n=35). 
Conclusion:
Clear guidelines are necessary to ensure complete and proper care of the Pin sites, thus preventing any complications

Author(s): Marcon O. Nicdao

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