Perception of Pressure Ulcer on Hospitalized Patient

Abstract

The research paper focuses on perception of pressure ulcer on hospitalized patient and the problems faced implementing pressure ulcer prevention programs and QSEN/ IOM educational framework of competencies. The reach builds on literature review followed by a case analysis. Pressure ulcers are one of the most underrated medical problems in critical care patients. The role of nurses in prevention of pressure ulcer can be improved by providing them education in line with the identified IOM/QSEN competencies.

Perception of Pressure Ulcer on Hospitalized Patient

Introduction

Development of pressure ulcers is complex and multi-factorial. In critical care patients, pressure ulcers are an additional morbid threat in patients who are already physiologically compromised. In fact, pressure ulcers are one of the most underrated medical problems in critical care patients. Nurses play vital role in the prevention of pressure ulcer; however, they lack competencies identified by the IOM/QSEN, which make the prevention process ineffective.

Significance of the Problem

Despite advances in medical technology and the use of formalized prevention programs based on clinical practice guidelines, the prevalence of pressure ulcers during hospitalization continues to increase. In 2008, Russo et al of the Health Care Cost and Utilization Project reported an 80% increase in the occurrence of pressure ulcers from 1993 to 2006 in hospitalized adult patients and estimated that total associated health care costs were $11 billion. Among all hospitalized patients, prevalence rates of acquired pressure ulcers are the highest in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), from 14% to 42% (Elliott, 2011).

In 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services declared that hospital-acquired stage III or stage IV pressure ulcers are adverse patient safety events, or “never events,” that could reasonably be prevented by implementing evidence-based prevention guidelines. As a result, beginning in 2008, reimbursement limitations were enacted for acute care hospitals for care associated with stage III or stage IV pressure ulcers not documented as present when a patient was admitted. This change has sparked a renewed urgency and awareness related to preventing pressure ulcers. Although the implementation of comprehensive prevention programs can reduce the prevalence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers pressure ulcers do develop in hospitalized patients, despite quality care and best practice. Furthermore, the risk for pressure ulcers may be greater for ICU patients than for other patients. The role of nurses in prevention of pressure ulcer can be improved by providing them education in line with the identified IOM/QSEN competencies (Elliott, 2011).



Implications of the Issue to Nurses Role

Nurse specialists are members of the multidisciplinary team and play a pivotal role in providing holistic nursing care to people suffering from pressure ulcer diseases. This includes supporting care by providing information on pressure ulcer, how best to provide care, emotional support, and referral to other services available for both people with multiple sclerosis and nurses. A carer for a patient with pressure ulcer is a family member, friend, or other who provides particular care. The purpose of this review is to determine the role of nurse specialists in pressure ulcer ...