The Tempur-Pedic Ultimate Skin Management Program(TM) (TUSMaP), an innovative approach to reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers for long-term care patients, has earned a certificate of distinction in the Disease-Specific Care Certification program of the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), the nation's predominant standards setting and accrediting body in healthcare.
       Certification "assures consumers and purchasers that TUSMaP is committed to quality and safety excellence," said Maureen Connors Potter, executive director of Disease-Specific Care Certification for JCAHO. "It is the gold standard for healthcare quality and safety."
       In order to earn certification, programs must also demonstrate excellence in fostering better outcomes by the integration and coordination of care. The certification is based on an assessment of compliance with relevant standards and criteria--the effective use of clinical guidelines and outcomes measurement. Certificates of distinction are awarded based on an initial survey where virtually all program standards are met or exceeded.
       TUSMaP is a comprehensive program in which long-term care providers agree to set aggressive targets for improving the incidence rate for pressure ulcers for their residents. The providers participate in an Internet-based monitoring program that tracks clinical data and alerts caregivers to problems. They also offer specially designed Tempur-Pedic mattresses, while TUSMaP provides staff training on pressure-wound management.
       Indications of improved outcomes for patients are strong. An analysis of the data indicates that both the rate and density of pressure ulcer incidence for participants in the program are significantly lower than prevailing industry averages. During 2002, the residents housed in TUSMaP client facilities experienced 0.232 significant pressure ulcers per 1,000 admitted resident days. This represented an annualized monthly significant pressure ulcer incident rate of 0.74 percent. This rate compares very favorably with the prevailing incidence rate of 5.9 percent for similarly significant pressure ulcers. (The prevailing rate was derived by averaging the findings of multiple published research studies identified in a comprehensive medical literature search conducted by a third party. References and data available on request.)
       Pressure ulcers are one of the leading medical problems for nursing home residents, causing an estimated 60,000 deaths per year, according to industry experts.
       "With this certification, we will now display the Joint Commission's gold 'Quality Approval Seal,'" said Joel Guerin, president of the Tempur-Pedic Medical Division, which developed TUSMaP. "We want to work with our clients to show families who are researching options for long-term care for a family member that we have achieved this important certification. It underscores our commitment to improving healthcare for these patients."
       For more information on TUSMaP, call (800) 255-3302 or visit www.tempurmed.com/ultimate_skin.html.