Introduction
It is sad to say that there is a gap between research findings and the implementation of those findings into practice in the pressure ulcer prevention field. It is valid for acute care hospitals where patients stay for short terms but are not protected from pressure injuries. In this setting, the problem is that nurses and other medical professionals fail to utilize the research findings and provide individuals with suitable conditions not to subject them to the issue under consideration. Consequently, the problem of pressure ulcers in the acute care setting needs process improvement to reduce pressure injury prevalence.
Synthesized Review of Relevant Evidence-Based Literature
Multiple scientific studies address the issue of pressure ulcers in acute care clinics. Latimer et al. (2016) assess various pressure injury prevention strategies in acute medical inpatients. According to the researchers, these strategies include repositioning, turning, “pressure-relieving mattresses, seating cushions, foam wedges, pillows, and bandages” (Latimer et al., 2016, p. 330). A study by Tran et al. (2016) also investigates ways to prevent pressure ulcers in the acute care setting. The two studies conclude that a repositioning frequency of two hours implies the same effect as that of four hours in acute care clinics, meaning that these patients need improvement.
Description of the Case
The information above demonstrates that acute care hospitals utilize insufficient measures to prevent pressure ulcers. It happens because medical establishments tend to rely on a single intervention in an attempt to improve the situation. However, Latimer et al. (2016) explain that it is possible to choose many solutions and combine them to increase their effectiveness. This description indicates that there is a gap between research findings and the implementation of those findings into practice. It is so because clinics fail to benefit from the results because of multiple reasons, and they will be considered below.
Action Plan
It is possible to take a few measures to improve the situation and eliminate potential barriers. Firstly, it is necessary to popularize evidence-based literature that explains how to avoid pressure ulcers among acute care clinics staff to make them familiar with possible prevention measures. Secondly, it is reasonable to contribute to medical professionals’ regular training and life-long learning. One can mention that patients are subject to the issue under consideration because their health care providers have poor prevention skills and knowledge. Thirdly, acute care clinics require sufficient material resources to apply various prevention measures, and it is the government’s responsibility to provide hospitals with all the necessary equipment. Consequently, the barriers include non-acquaintance of research findings, inadequate knowledge and skills, and insufficient material supply of hospitals, but specific actions above demonstrate that it is possible to mitigate their effect.
Conclusion
The case report has just demonstrated that it is possible to achieve better pressure ulcer prevention methods in the acute care setting. The steps are to popularize appropriate evidence-based literature, organize medical professionals’ regular training and life-long learning, and provide hospitals with all the necessary materials. These measures have the potential to result in fewer pressure injuries among acute care patients. It is worth mentioning that the incidence of pressure ulcers in the leading indicator to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommended changes. In conclusion, the proposed changes will be considered working if they lead to a decreased number of acute care patients who are exposed to pressure ulcers.
References
Latimer, S., Chaboyer, W., & Gillespie, B. (2016). Pressure injury prevention strategies in acute medical inpatients: An observational study. Contemporary Nurse, 52(2-3), 326-340.
Tran, J. P., McLaughlin, J. M., Ramon, T., & Phillips, L. G. (2016). Prevention of pressure ulcers in the acute care setting: New innovations and technologies. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(3S), 232S-240S.