Innovating Care: Embedding SEM Scanning Technology Across CLCH NHS Inpatient Rehabilitation Services
Abstract
Background: Pressure ulcers remain a significant patient safety concern in rehabilitation settings. Subepidermal Moisture (SEM) scanning technology enables early detection of tissue damage, supporting timely interventions. Baseline audits at Brent Rehabilitation Wards revealed poor compliance with SEM scanning and documentation (10%). This project aimed to increase compliance to ≥50% within three months and integrate SEM scanning into routine care across Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH).
Methods: The initiative commenced in April 2024 at Furness and Robertson Wards (39 beds), using the Model for Improvement and PDSA cycles. Interventions included monthly bite-sized teaching sessions by SEM experts, group clinical supervision, redesign of documentation tools, and staff feedback collection to address workflow barriers. Compliance was monitored through monthly audits, with iterative adjustments. Following success at the pilot site, the project scaled to ten additional rehabilitation units across CLCH.
Results: Documentation practices improved significantly: skin redness recording increased from 10% to 100%, and delta score documentation achieved full compliance early and sustained performance. Early intervention documentation rose from 10% to 70%, indicating better responsiveness to early tissue compromise. However, SEM scanning within admission to day three remained low (10–30%), and escalation planning reached only 60%, highlighting persistent gaps. Overall, the initiative contributed to a 30% reduction in attributable pressure ulcers, enhancing patient safety and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions: Embedding SEM scanning into routine care strengthened proactive risk management and documentation. While notable progress was achieved, gaps in timely scanning and escalation planning require targeted education, process integration, and real-time monitoring. This initiative demonstrates the role of digital innovation in nursing practice and aligns with NHS priorities for preventative care. Its success was recognised through multiple awards, including the Nursing Times Digital Nursing Award 2024.
Notes
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Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Quality Improvement
Research Approach
Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice
Keywords:
Public and Community Health, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Implementation Science, Early Medical Intervention, Pressure Ulcers, Nursing Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Recommended Citation
Sabellano, Cherylane Lumpayao, "Innovating Care: Embedding SEM Scanning Technology Across CLCH NHS Inpatient Rehabilitation Services" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 336.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/presentations_2026/336
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-09-27
Innovating Care: Embedding SEM Scanning Technology Across CLCH NHS Inpatient Rehabilitation Services
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Background: Pressure ulcers remain a significant patient safety concern in rehabilitation settings. Subepidermal Moisture (SEM) scanning technology enables early detection of tissue damage, supporting timely interventions. Baseline audits at Brent Rehabilitation Wards revealed poor compliance with SEM scanning and documentation (10%). This project aimed to increase compliance to ≥50% within three months and integrate SEM scanning into routine care across Central London Community Healthcare (CLCH).
Methods: The initiative commenced in April 2024 at Furness and Robertson Wards (39 beds), using the Model for Improvement and PDSA cycles. Interventions included monthly bite-sized teaching sessions by SEM experts, group clinical supervision, redesign of documentation tools, and staff feedback collection to address workflow barriers. Compliance was monitored through monthly audits, with iterative adjustments. Following success at the pilot site, the project scaled to ten additional rehabilitation units across CLCH.
Results: Documentation practices improved significantly: skin redness recording increased from 10% to 100%, and delta score documentation achieved full compliance early and sustained performance. Early intervention documentation rose from 10% to 70%, indicating better responsiveness to early tissue compromise. However, SEM scanning within admission to day three remained low (10–30%), and escalation planning reached only 60%, highlighting persistent gaps. Overall, the initiative contributed to a 30% reduction in attributable pressure ulcers, enhancing patient safety and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusions: Embedding SEM scanning into routine care strengthened proactive risk management and documentation. While notable progress was achieved, gaps in timely scanning and escalation planning require targeted education, process integration, and real-time monitoring. This initiative demonstrates the role of digital innovation in nursing practice and aligns with NHS priorities for preventative care. Its success was recognised through multiple awards, including the Nursing Times Digital Nursing Award 2024.
Description
Pressure ulcers are a major safety concern in rehabilitation care. Subepidermal Moisture (SEM) scanning enables early detection of tissue damage, yet baseline compliance at Brent Rehabilitation Wards was only 10%. A quality improvement project launched in April 2024 aimed to raise compliance to ≥50% using PDSA cycles, staff education, and improved documentation. Results showed better documentation and early intervention, reducing incidence by 30%, though timely scanning remains a challenge.