ABSTRACT

Device related EEG lead pressure injuries are known to be problematic in the Pediatric Intensive care Unit (PICU). An exploratory evidence-based project took place in 2021 and sought to collaborate with the EEG department to reduce these injuries.
This nurse led intervention changed nurses practices and allowed them to fully lift and assess the four frontal EEG leads. Frontal sites are the most common areas for skin breakdown.
This practice of lifting leads on a shift-by-shift basis is a new concept for nurses as they do not routinely evaluate EEG lead sites.
Focused education and support for the staff in the PICU allowed them to feel comfortable and confident assessing frontal lead sites, moving them as needed if redness or breakdown is noted.
Documentation in the electronic medical record was a key area for improvement and this gave a method of tracking data. Over the 6-month study period only one child was noted to have breakdown and this child did not have EEG lead sites checked for a prolonged period. Suggesting that where staff were assessing lead sites, they are effective in reducing pressure injuries.
Currently the q shift checking of EEG lead frontal sites and moving them related to redness has been adopted into the PICU. as a positive practice change.