Conduct A Literature Search: Find Three Sources To Determine
Conduct A Literature Search Finding Three Sources To Determine Best P
Conduct a literature search, finding three sources to determine best practices related to one of the following geriatric syndromes: prevention of falls or prevention of pressure ulcers. How well do the policies of your clinical facility correspond to these best practice recommendations? Healthcare organizations have come a long way in addressing these problems for the institutionalized elderly, but these problems also present in the community dwelling elderly. How important is it to implement these preventive practices in this segment of the population? How can this be accomplished? Be specific with suggested interventions.
Paper For Above instruction
The prevention of pressure ulcers in the elderly population is a significant concern in both clinical and community settings, given the substantial health burden and healthcare costs associated with these injuries. A comprehensive review of current literature indicates that strict adherence to evidence-based best practices can markedly reduce incidence rates. This paper explores three credible sources that delineate best practices in pressure ulcer prevention, evaluates the alignment of clinical facility policies with these practices, and offers specific interventions tailored for community-dwelling elders.
Understanding Pressure Ulcers and Their Impact on the Elderly
Pressure ulcers, also known as decubitus ulcers, develop due to prolonged pressure, especially over bony prominences, impairing blood flow and leading to tissue necrosis. The elderly are particularly vulnerable due to skin fragility, comorbidities, immobility, and decreased sensory perception. The National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) emphasizes that prevention is superior to treatment, as pressure ulcers can lead to severe infections, prolonged hospital stays, and diminished quality of life (Lyder & Cosco, 2015).
Best Practice Recommendations Based on Literature
The first source, Lyder and Cosco (2015), provide a comprehensive review highlighting that effective pressure ulcer prevention hinges on regular risk assessment, repositioning, and skin care. They recommend the use of validated tools such as the Braden Scale to identify at-risk individuals promptly. The second source, Bates-Jensen et al. (2014), emphasizes the importance of staff education, tissue tolerance assessments, and the use of support surfaces like specialized mattresses and overlays to reduce pressure points. The third source, Demarré et al. (2015), advocates for a multi-modal approach combining nutritional support, moisture management, and patient and caregiver education to foster an environment conducive to skin health.
Alignment of Clinical Policies with Best Practices
Evaluation of policies at many clinical facilities reveals varying degrees of compliance with these recommendations. Facilities with dedicated wound care teams, routine risk assessments, and staff training programs tend to achieve lower pressure ulcer incidence. However, some policies lack emphasis on community-based prevention strategies, such as caregiver education and resource provision for home safety (Posthauer et al., 2017). This gap underscores the necessity for policy enhancement to encompass preventive measures beyond institutional settings.
Importance of Community-Based Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Implementing pressure ulcer prevention in community-dwelling elderly is crucial, given that most pressure ulcers develop outside hospital environments. The shift towards community-centered care obliges healthcare providers to implement preventive strategies proactively in the home setting. Failure to do so can result in increased morbidity, hospitalization rates, and healthcare expenditures. According to Singh et al. (2019), preventive interventions tailored for home care—such as caregiver training, environmental modifications, and personalized repositioning schedules—can significantly reduce pressure ulcer risk.
Specific Interventions for Community-Dwelling Elderly
To effectively prevent pressure ulcers among community elders, targeted interventions should include:
1. Caregiver Education: Training family members and caregivers on pressure redistribution techniques, skin inspection, and early identification of pressure damage ensures timely intervention (Posthauer et al., 2017).
2. Environmental Modifications: Installing pressure-relieving devices (e.g., cushion seats, antidecubitus mattresses) within the home environment reduces sustained pressure on vulnerable body parts (Bates-Jensen et al., 2014).
3. Repositioning and Mobility Programs: Developing individualized schedules encouraging regular repositioning—at least every two hours—helps distribute pressure evenly and maintains skin integrity (Lyder & Cosco, 2015).
4. Nutritional and Hydration Support: Promoting balanced diets rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals strengthens skin and supports wound healing capabilities (Demarré et al., 2015).
5. Routine Skin Assessment: Regular skin checks to detect early signs of pressure damage facilitate prompt care and prevent ulcer progression (Posthauer et al., 2017).
Conclusion
Ensuring adherence to evidence-based best practices is paramount for the effective prevention of pressure ulcers in both institutional and community settings. Policies within clinical facilities need to align closely with these practices, emphasizing risk assessments, staff education, and resource availability. Extending prevention efforts into the community through caregiver training, environmental modifications, and individualized care plans is essential given the high risk outside institutional care. Implementing these interventions can significantly improve quality of life for the elderly, reduce healthcare costs, and decrease the burden of pressure ulcers across populations.
References
Bates-Jensen, B., Kiekhoefer, M., & Walton, J. (2014). Evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention in adult populations. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 28(4), 201–208.
Demarré, L., Van Damme, N., Beeckman, D., et al. (2015). A systematic review and meta-analysis of nutritional interventions for preventing pressure ulcers in at-risk skin. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 23(6), 812-823.
Lyder, C. H., & Cosco, T. D. (2015). Pressure ulcers: Prevention and management. The American Journal of Nursing, 115(1), 50–57.
Posthauer, M. E., Dorner, B., & de Bock, J. (2017). The role of nutrition in pressure ulcer prevention: A review. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports, 15(1), 63–73.
Singh, V., Sharma, A., & Khatri, P. (2019). Community-based interventions for pressure ulcer prevention in elderly: A systematic review. Geriatric Nursing, 40(4), 375-381.