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BackupV1 > RCP Case Studies and Top Tips, 2016-18 > Case Studies > Assessment and rehab case studies > Effective intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) management at Worthing Hospital

Challenge
Putting Research into practice – Establishing agreed protocols for administering IPC.

Solution
Cultural Changes
  • Results from research trials were further analysed and best practices were established. Guidance on IPC application was agreed at local level with consultants and these protocols were shared with the wider team.
  • Mini teaching sessions for nurses and the wider MDT team were held. Clear communication channels were established with the pharmacy team to ensure that IPCs could be electronically prescribed.
Process changes
  • Guidelines were created which are clearly displayed on the ward.
  • IPCs were added to nurses’ daily bedside checklist (2x per day).
  • IPC stickers were put in the medical notes alerting the doctor and consultant if IPCs were no longer in use, the reason a decision was made to remove them, and whether alternative treatment should be considered.
Measure and repeat
  • The impact of process changes such as introduction of bedside checklist to measure effect were audited.
  • The audit will be repeated in six months’ time to measure changes over time.
Impact
Patients applied with IPC at Worthing Hospital:
In 2014/2015: 39.7%
In 2016/2017: 55.6%

This case study was written by Johanne Midgley, Ward Sister at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust.


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