Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Best Practices Student Name(s) (listed alphabetically) Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Best Practices Student Name(s) (listed alphabetically) Key Findings Key Practices Recommended References Significance Statement Key Methodology For patients who are at risk for developing pressure ulcers, using a combination of best practice preventative measures as compared to a single intervention or no interventions may decrease the formation of pressure ulcers. P- Patients at risk for developing pressure ulcers I- Best practice preventative measures C- As compared to a single intervention or no interventions O- Decrease the formation of pressure ulcers Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessments  In the hospital setting, some nurses underestimate the risk of pressure ulcer development (p < 0.001). 1  It is recommended to assess pressure ulcer risk within six hours of patient admission. 3  A risk assessment tool should be clearly understood and have categories related to pressure ulcer development. 4  Risk assessment scale should also have an age category to determine at-risk populations (p < 0.05). 2 Repositioning and Assistive Devices  A turn frequency chart is recommended to use every two hours (p < 0.05). 2  Use of heel protector boots is recommended to offload the heal, a common area of pressure ulcer development. 3 Dressings, Creams, and Nutrition  When a nonblanchable erythema stage I pressure ulcer is first assessed, a dressing should be applied to promote rapid healing before the ulcer progresses. 4  Oral nutritional supplements can be utilized to supplement nutrition (p < 0.05). 2 1.Observational cohort study using surveys. 1 2.A retrospective correlational designed study utilized data collection from hospital documentation systems and power analysis. 2 3.Exploratory descriptive research design utilizing a 26-item questionnaire. 4 4.Exploratory study using nurse observation. 3 Utilizing multiple prevention strategies can reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers. These strategies include:  Utilizing Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scoring: Used to determine high risk patients and further interventions that are necessary. 1  Utilizing Specialty Mattresses: Used as an essential strategy in preventing pressure ulcers especially in acute care settings. 2  Repositioning, Turning, and Offloading: Used in all current practice guidelines to prevent pressure ulcers. 2  Utilizing Patient Transfer Devices: Used to reduce patient friction and shearing. 2  Increasing Nutritional Intake: Used as an added measure used to prevent tissue breakdown. 3  Placing Dressings Over at Risk Areas: Used to provide protection to prevent further breakdown. 4  Ambulating Frequently: Used to reduce the amount of pressure on one area. 4  Applying Topical Creams: Used to prevent breakdown in the incontinent patient Barker, A, Kamar, J, Tyndall, T, White, L, Hutchinson, A, Klopfer, N, Weller, C. (2013). Implementation of pressure ulcer prevention best practice recommendations in acute care: An observational study. International Wound Journal doi: /j X x 2. Cox, J. (2011). Predictors of pressure ulcers in adult critical care patients. American Journal of Critical Care doi: /ajcc Elliott, J. (2010). Strategies to improve the prevention of pressure ulcers. Nursing Older People, 22(9): Sharp, C, Burr, G, Broadbent, M, Cummins, M, Casey, H, Merriman, A. (2000). Pressure ulcer prevention and care: A survey of current practice. Journal of Quality in Clinical Practice, 20(4):150-7.