A Retrospective Analysis of Critically Ill Patients in the Acute Care Hospital Experiencing Characteristics of Skin Failure

Grant Application

CeCe Zamarripa, PhD, MSN, RN, CWON, UPMC Presbyterian

Proposed Innovation

Skin failure at life’s end is poorly defined and often mistaken for pressure injuries. It can occur quickly, even when every preventive measure is in place. There is currently no validated tool or technology to confirm acute skin failure.

This project aims to redefine how clinicians approach complex skin conditions by introducing a groundbreaking, evidence-based framework to distinguish skin failure from pressure injuries.

Improvements in Action

The goal of this project is to set a new standard for precision care through the integration of predictive analytics, validated clinical indicators, and scalable tools.

Through this project, patients will be screened using electronic health records to identify key signs of skin failure and predictive factors. A tool designed to help predict skin failure early and accurately will be tested and validated. Diagnostic criteria for acute skin failure in critically ill patients also will be developed.

Intended Outcomes

Creating clear, evidence-based diagnostic criteria will eliminate guesswork. Clinicians will be able to anticipate risk before harm occurs. Establishing a skin failure scale will allow them to act early and prevent suffering before it starts.

Results from this project will be shared across the UPMC health system with leaders, providers, and wound, ostomy, and continence nurses. This project is expected to reshape the future of wound management and transform outcomes for patients.