ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Article Title: Protocols for Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Are They Evidence Based?



Outline

Description of Study

In this paper, we will elaborate the quality focused measures that can assist the healthcare professionals while treating the patients of pressure ulcer. This article selected the study sample from a home care center located in Netherlands, and analyzed the selected sample size in order to provide rationale for the findings. This study was supported by the fact that there can be several protocols that can assure evidence-based care in terms of pressure ulcer treatment. Another main rationale for this study several measures that healthcare professionals must adopt, which would help them to reduce pressure ulcer occurrence. Nevertheless, there is lack of certainty regarding the results of suggested protocols if adapted. However, it is evident that there would be an eminent advancement in the field of pressure ulcer treatment.

Explanation

Pressure sores is the damage to the skin that occurs in people, who have been in the same position for a long time. The patch of skin, where the body rests, gets jeopardized. The small blood vessels are compressed. If the pressure persists, sensitive red spots, blisters and wounds, appear, which is called bedsores. It starts with a delicate, light red spot, where the redness does not go away when you press them. In order to study its behavior and treatment, we will be conducting a study on the basis of following methodology.

The methodology used in this article declares that this study was qualitative in nature. This data collection process of this study was carried out in 24 home care center based in Netherlands. The research methods used in this study were in form of a checklist that was constructed by two pressure ulcer prevention specialists. The checklist in this study was used to evaluate the quality of the measures adapted by home care centers in case of pressure ulcer prevention (Chaves, Grypdonck and DeFloor, 2010, 562-572). The data obtained from the checklist used in this research was analyzed by using the statistical technique called descriptive statistics. The analysis of the data focused on the weighted scores on the checklist in order to assess the quality standards used to treat ulcer patients.

The analysis of the article reveals that the results of the study are prominent and can be generalized in terms of pressure ulcer prevention. The mean score revealed by the data used in this study was 63.38 while evaluating 24 measures that can be adapted while preventing pressure ulcer. Majority of the protocols adapted in the home care centers were focused on skin observations. Hence, it can be interpreted that the prevention of any interaction with skin is prohibited in terms of preventing pressure ulcers. It was revealed that 75% of the adapted measures emphasized on skin interaction. Nonetheless, 42% were focused on the use of materials and considered less effective than the alternate protocols (Chaves, Grypdonck and DeFloor, 2010, p. 572).

Recommendation for Improvement

Pressure ulcers can cause much discomfort and pain and requires much attention ...