Prevalence Of Pressure Ulcer In Elderly At-Risk Patients ✓ Solved

PREVALENCE OF PRESSURE ULCER IN ELDERLY/ AT RISK PATIENTS

The project aims to explore the prevalence of pressure ulcers on elderly patients and other at-risk patients in acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It will review the challenges that healthcare institutions face in addressing the pain and discomfort caused by pressure ulcers. The project will assess the viability of current practices used in dealing with pressure ulcers and the reasons behind their failures. It will also present evidence-based practices (EBPs) that can be adopted by healthcare facilities to improve care for patients with pressure ulcers.

First, the Braden Scale will be discussed. This scale comprises six subscales that help in identifying at-risk individuals in the context of pressure ulcers. It focuses on factors such as nutritional status, mobility, friction and shear, skin moisture, sensory perception, and activity levels. Second, the repositioning of patients will be addressed, which involves moving a patient to relieve pressure in certain body areas. Lastly, the project will cover the use of optifoam dressing on bony areas of patients, which is known for its high fluid handling capacity and waterproof characteristics, enhancing the healing process of pressure ulcers.

Through this project, the audience will gain comprehensive information regarding the prevalence of pressure ulcers in elderly and at-risk patients within acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, understand the diverse issues connected with pressure ulcers, and recognize the significance of the three evidence-based practices in effectively managing this problem.

Overview of The Problem

Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in pressure ulcers, amounting to a 63 percent rise. This surge poses serious healthcare challenges, notably due to the high costs attributed to treatment, which can reach up to $37,800 in extreme cases. Moreover, the resources consumed in treating pressure ulcers are considerable, diverting funds that could be utilized elsewhere in healthcare systems, particularly since these cases are largely preventable.

Pressure ulcers often lead to a decline in patients’ quality of life, especially those in acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, as they can cause additional complications and prolong hospital stays. Given that pressure ulcers are secondary health issues stemming from patients being bedridden or wheelchair-bound due to other medical conditions, it is essential to find effective preventive measures and management strategies. Such interventions would not only help in reducing healthcare costs but also improve the overall quality of life for the affected individuals.

The problem is exacerbated in acute hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, particularly in light of staffing shortages, fragmented care, and a growing elderly population. To mitigate this challenge, it is crucial to explore effective strategies aimed at reversing this trend and addressing the issues linked with pressure ulcers. This project aims to provide nursing professionals with straightforward yet effective evidence-based practices to improve care and outcomes for patients susceptible to pressure ulcers.

Conclusion

In summary, pressure ulcers represent a critical health issue, particularly for the elderly and other at-risk populations in acute care settings. Addressing this issue requires not only awareness of the prevalence and impact of pressure ulcers but also the implementation of evidence-based practices. The Braden Scale, patient repositioning, and optifoam dressing are key interventions that can significantly improve patient care and reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers.

By focusing on these evidence-based strategies, healthcare facilities can enhance their patient care quality, reduce overall healthcare costs associated with pressure ulcers, and ultimately improve the lives of those affected by this preventable condition.

References

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  • Woo, K., & Kasaboski, J. (2017). A Pilot Retrospective Study to Evaluate Two Multi-Layer Foam Dressings for the Management of Moderately Exudative Pressure Injuries. Surgical Technology International, 31, 61-65.
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  • National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. (2016). National Pressure Injuries Advisory Panel: Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries. NPIAP.
  • McInnes, E., Jammali-Blasi, A., & Bell-Syer, S. E. (2018). Support surfaces for pressure injury prevention. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
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