Pressure Sore
PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION:
USE OF SACRAL MEPILEX IN PREVENTING PRESSURE ULCERS IN THE ICU PATIENT: An Evidence-Based Project
Elizabeth Bard, Melissa Carder, and Maria Medina
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science in Nursing
Nebraska Methodist College
Department of Nursing
Omaha, Nebraska
Under the Supervision of Dr. Linda Foley
May 2012
Abstract During the past few years, the interest on preventative strategies has become apparent in the healthcare field. Pressure ulcer prevention is a key issue being addressed as the cost and methods of treatment are astronomical. The purpose of this evidence-based research project was to determine if the use of a sacral mepilex, or like dressing, helps to prevent pressure ulcers in the intensive care unit (ICU) population. A pressure ulcer in the ICU can be life threatening. The PICO(T) question for this evidence-based research project was, “ In adult intensive care unit patients, does the application of sacral mepilex, or like dressing, to the lower back/ coccyx/sacral area, lead to a decreased incident of pressure ulcer formation in the coccyx/sacral area throughout the patient’s intensive care unit stay?” A literature search using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) database, Google Scholar, and Journal of Critical Care Nurse was performed. The search was performed using key terms identified in the PICO(T). Results yielded five articles that were found to be applicable for this project and were then reviewed. Evidence from these five articles supports the issue of pressure ulcers in high risk patients. The prevention of pressure ulcers using different quality improvement projects while utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach and appropriate measuring tools was identified. Proposed changes for nurse educators would support the continued development of recurrent
USE OF SACRAL MEPILEX IN PREVENTING PRESSURE ULCERS IN THE ICU PATIENT: An Evidence-Based Project
Elizabeth Bard, Melissa Carder, and Maria Medina
Submitted in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Master of Science in Nursing
Nebraska Methodist College
Department of Nursing
Omaha, Nebraska
Under the Supervision of Dr. Linda Foley
May 2012
Abstract During the past few years, the interest on preventative strategies has become apparent in the healthcare field. Pressure ulcer prevention is a key issue being addressed as the cost and methods of treatment are astronomical. The purpose of this evidence-based research project was to determine if the use of a sacral mepilex, or like dressing, helps to prevent pressure ulcers in the intensive care unit (ICU) population. A pressure ulcer in the ICU can be life threatening. The PICO(T) question for this evidence-based research project was, “ In adult intensive care unit patients, does the application of sacral mepilex, or like dressing, to the lower back/ coccyx/sacral area, lead to a decreased incident of pressure ulcer formation in the coccyx/sacral area throughout the patient’s intensive care unit stay?” A literature search using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) database, Google Scholar, and Journal of Critical Care Nurse was performed. The search was performed using key terms identified in the PICO(T). Results yielded five articles that were found to be applicable for this project and were then reviewed. Evidence from these five articles supports the issue of pressure ulcers in high risk patients. The prevention of pressure ulcers using different quality improvement projects while utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach and appropriate measuring tools was identified. Proposed changes for nurse educators would support the continued development of recurrent
References: Background description of topic Pressure ulcers remain “one of the five most common causes of harm to patients” (Elliott, McKinley, & Fox, 2008, p Setting(s) Discussion Patients in the intensive care unit are at greater risk for pressure ulcers than the general population (American Journal of Critical Care, 2008) Potential/Actual cost benefits/effectiveness The cost of treating a patient with a hospital acquired pressure ulcer is estimated to range from “$2,000 to $70,000 per wound” (Courtney, Ruppman, & Cooper, 2006, p