Overview of the Methodology Used to Develop these Guidelines
The RNAO undertook numerous steps before developing the guidelines that contain the recommendations provided for the interprofessional teams. The first phase in the development process was guideline development (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, 2016). In this stage, research was the main activity done to develop the drafts of the recommendations. Research gaps were identified, and the future implications of these solutions were determined. Practice, outcome, and health system research were conducted to develop the guidelines.
The next steps included dissemination, implementation, and proving the sustainability of the research findings. The suggested recommendations were shared with professionals to obtain their assessment (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, 2016). The recommendations that made it to the guideline were then put through the evaluation and monitoring process to determine their effectiveness in the management of pressure injuries. The professionals gave their opinions on the new guidelines to establish efficacy.
How Research Contributed to the Best Practice Guideline
The research helped the team identify gaps in the management of pressure injuries, which helped develop research questions. The research questions led to the trials of various practices and the test of their efficacy and the long-term implications. Therefore, research enabled the best recommendations that are efficient to be adopted and put down as guidelines. These guidelines further improve the practices of interprofessionals when dealing with pressure injuries.
Recommendations Identified in the Guidelines that Are New to You and Will Help an Your Nursing Practice
Practice recommendation 3.3 on the importance of a nutritional plan to the person injured and to the caregiver. Nutrition is essential to the healing process of the person with the pressure injury. It was a new aspect to me but would prove helpful when dealing with a pressure injury in practice. Education recommendation 5.2 on the need for prior professional knowledge, attitude, and skills related to assessing and managing pressure injuries. These skills will make my work in actual practice easy and reduce the pressure and tension of first-time interaction with the injuries.
The system, organization, and policy recommendation 6.2 was new to me and would be of great importance to my work in the future. Lobbying and advocating for investment in pressure injury and management as a strategic safety priority in jurisdiction will ensure that funding and proper education are given to professionals dealing with pressure injuries (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, 2016). It will open doors to better research and improved facilities to offer help to persons with pressure injuries.
Reference
Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario. (2016). Assessment and management of pressure injuries for the interprofessional team (3rd ed.), Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario.