Case Study

SEM Scanning Makes Zero Pressure Injuries Attainable

Utilizing the Provizio® SEM Scanner at a World-Renowned Academic Medical Center

Background

6 Pressure Injuries Reduced To ZERO In A Month

In a world-renowned, 1200-bed Academic Medical Center in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States, four high-acuity units showed an unacceptably high burden of hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) with an average of 6 HAPIs per month.

Integration of the Provizio SEM Scanner into standard pressure injury prevention practice was proposed as an evidence-based strategy, given the hospital’s goal of ZERO HARM.

Methodology

Prevention Requires Early Detection

In 2025, a two-phase evidence-based practice initiative (EBPI) was conducted. The sacrum and heels were assessed using the Provizio SEM Scanner and interventions were provided based on the facility’s SEM Scanning protocol.

Phase 1

  • 2 step-down units
  • SEM scan on admission + daily

Phase 2

  • 2 intensive care units
  • SEM scan on admission + 3 times per week

Results Achieved

30-DAYS

100% Zero Harm

(2 of 4 Units with 100% HAPI Reduction)

30-DAYS

24 Bed Days1,2 Released

30-DAYS

$217,680 Costs Avoided

One Year

$1,062,144 Released Bed Day Savings

One Year

288 Bed Days Released

One Year

$1,550,016 Avoidable Treatment Costs

Conclusion

67% Relative Reduction in HAPI’s
Across 4 units

Integrating SEM-guided assessment into routine nursing practice can substantially lower HAPI incidence across heterogeneous, high-risk
populations.

Why These HAPI Reduction Outcomes Matter

100% reduction on two units, and a 67% reduction overall, in just 30 days represents a breakthrough far exceeding typical EBPI gains.

  1. Directly protects patients from a painful, preventable injury.
  2. Reduces staff burden and restores capacity.
  3. Returns hundreds of thousands of dollars in avoidable costs and bed-day value.

Early SEM detection prevented 4 HAPIs, avoiding $129,168 in direct treatment costs in just 30 days.

  1. $1,550,016 annualized savings in treatment costs could be realized on four units alone.
  2. Decreased exposure to CMS nonpayment, penalties, and litigation.
  3. Reduced regulatory and legal risk.

Avoiding 24 bed days in just 30 days is highly meaningful.

  1. Increased throughput and reduced diversion risk.
  2. $88,512 (24 × $3,688) in additional operational value beyond direct treatment cost avoidance; that’s $1,062,144 in annualized savings on four units alone.

The two injuries that occurred were linked to incomplete use of the SEM-guided pathway, reinforcing SEM as a reliable early-warning tool when paired with consistent nursing response.2

References:

  1. Yuile & Patton, 2025.
  2. Labeau et al, 2025.
  3. Bauer et al, 2016.
  4. Wassel et al, 2020

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