The content in this blog was provided by Joyce Pittman, PhD, RN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, CWOCN, WOCNF, FAAN
The Starting Line: What Are eCQMs?
Electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs) are the high-performance tools used to measure and track the quality of healthcare services provided by clinicians and hospitals. Unlike traditional reporting, these measures pull data directly from electronic health records (EHRs). They will be collected from the electronic health documentation of the care provided, therefore every piece of electronic documentation captured during care becomes a data point, fueling the metrics that define our success and patient safety.
The Course: Focus on Pressure Injuries
A pressure injury eCQM provides a measure of how effectively a healthcare organization prevents and manages pressure injuries in patients, particularly those at higher risk (e.g., immobile or critically ill individuals).
The Green Flag: Where the Data Begins
This race doesn’t simply start when a patient is in the ICU —ECQM data will start at the point of the patient encounter. Whether a patient enters through the Emergency Room or another entry point, the data trail begins the moment they arrive.
Pit stop check-in:
- Have you prepared the nurses and providers in these areas?
- Is your team capturing the right data from Mile 1?
Your Pit Crew Advantage
Although you’re in the driver’s seat, you don’t have to navigate this roadmap alone! To ensure your team is ready for the transition, use this WOCN Infographic as your QuickStart guide. Share it with your providers, post it in your units, and let’s get this journey started!
Some things to remember along the way:
Pressure injury eCQMs rely heavily on structured EHR data, including:
- Skin assessment documentation. Is your documentation in a narrative form or on a structured power plan? Does the skin assessment documentation trigger alerts to WOC experts? Does your documentation flow to your providers? Does your provider’s documentation flow into your documentation? How can you strengthen the accuracy of both assessments?
- Risk scores (e.g., Braden Scale). Is this visible to both clinicians and providers? Does a risk score trigger an alert for the WOC expert?
- Wound staging and location. Do you have a process for confirmation of staging accuracy 24/7? Does a pressure injury documentation trigger an alert to the WOC team for confirmation? How can you strengthen the staging accuracy of the direct care nurse and provider? What training do you have in place or planned? Is it sustainable?
- Interventions (turning schedules, support surfaces, dressings). Do you have a structured, standardized pressure injury prevention program? Is it integrated into the EHR?
Visit the eCQM Navigation Center on the WOCN website for additional information and resources that will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Join the Conversation
Do you have questions about implementing eCQMs or want to see how your peers are navigating these changes? Head over to the WOCN Online Wound Community! This interactive space is the perfect place to post comments, ask specific questions, and engage directly with fellow members about all things WOCN.
Please note: The online community is an exclusive, members-only benefit. Not a member yet? We urge you to join WOCN today to unlock access to this vibrant professional network, expert insights, and the collaborative support you need to cross the finish line with confidence!