Pressure ulcers are common occurrences in a hospital setting due to prolonged pressure or friction. These forces cause the absence of blood supply to the regions, which makes the skin vulnerable to damage. Pressure ulcers are observed in operated or traumatological patients who have been in a forced-immobilized position for a long time. Although there are certain ulcer prevention protocols, one should be aware that they can be initiated in the emergency department. The discussion will primarily focus on a study that assesses a multidisciplinary intervention program and its impact on pressure ulcer occurrence rate.
The study was conducted to analyze the prevalence rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU) before and after the integration of intervention. The researchers focused on identifying risk factors that promote the emergence of pressure ulcers (Mallah et al., 2015). In addition, it aimed to derive the predictive value among the inpatient acute care setting. The sample size was comprised of 486 patients, and it is valid due to other studies conducting research on the same or smaller groups (Mallah et al., 2015). The instruments were reliable and defined because the measurements were consistent throughout the study. The variables were age, length of stay, moisture, nutrition, PU prevention, mattress, a patient at risk, and admission (Mallah et al., 2015). The process of data analysis and variable identification was plausible because the authors utilized the Braden scale for specificity and sensitivity. Standard x2 tests were also conducted in order to determine the deviations and means of observed and expected outcomes.
One of the main unusual events can be observed at the beginning of the research process. The original sample size of 542 patients was reduced to 486 people due to 31 of them refusing to participate, 13 becoming highly ill, and 12 undergoing diagnostics tests (Mallah et al., 2015). In other words, the planned sample size was expected to be larger and bigger compared to the actual one. It does not seem that the overall results would change dramatically, but a larger sample might provide more accurate results in the case of replication of the study. The study further supports the results of previous studies regarding the multidisciplinary interventions being effective at HAPU prevention. In addition, the Braden scale analysis had a specificity of 60.04% and a sensitivity of 92.30% (Mallah et al., 2015). Therefore, the general implications of the research are that it is important to implement interdisciplinary prevention approaches to reduce the occurrence rate of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. The study addresses the relevant and essential issues of clinical practice, such as HAPU.
One should note that patients with pressure ulcers in the initial stage do not need surgical treatment, but the presence of such ulcers should mobilize medical personnel to prevent the progression of the process. At the same time, it is necessary to reassess the patient’s health, paying particular attention to identifying or excluding various external and internal risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers (Mallah et al., 2015). The main task of treatment at this stage is to protect the wound from infection and further exposure to damaging factors. In addition to special preventive measures, compulsory treatment of any concomitant diseases and syndromes is required.
In conclusion, pressure ulcers are a major problem of a wide range of clinical settings because they are the result of prolonged inactivity and change of position. Although there are a number of prevention-based methods, it is important to identify and develop highly effective ones, which can be comprised of multidisciplinary approaches. The study assessed in the given discussion provides a valuable insight into understanding the relevance of risk factor identification and utilization of proper interventions.
Reference
Mallah, Z., Nassar, N., & Kurdahi Badr, L. (2015). The effectiveness of a pressure ulcer intervention program on the prevalence of hospital acquired pressure ulcers: Controlled before and after study. Applied Nursing Research, 28(2), 106-113. Web.