Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:16
An Educational Video Demonstration of How to Prone a Critically Ill Intubated Patient
Published on: November 30, 2022
Guideline implementation results in a decrease of pressure ulcer incidence in critically ill patients
Erik H de Laat1, Peter Pickkers, Lisette Schoonhoven
1Centre for Quality of Care Research, Nursing Science Section, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, The Netherlands.
Critical Care Medicine
|January 27, 2007
Summary
A hospital guideline significantly reduced pressure ulcer development in critically ill patients. Timely transfers to specialized mattresses were key to preventing these hospital-acquired conditions.
Area of Science:
- Critical care medicine
- Nursing science
- Patient safety research
Background:
- Pressure ulcers pose a significant risk to critically ill patients.
- Effective prevention strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a hospital-wide pressure ulcer prevention and treatment guideline.
- To assess the effects on pressure ulcer incidence and onset time in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study involving 399 critically ill adult patients in a university medical center.
- Implementation of a comprehensive pressure ulcer care guideline, emphasizing timely patient repositioning onto pressure-reducing devices.
- Data collection on patient characteristics, risk factors, ulcer grading, and mattress type over 3 and 12 months post-implementation.
Main Results:
- Incidence density of grade II-IV pressure ulcers decreased from 54 to 32 per 1000 patient-days (p = .001) at 12 months.
- Median pressure ulcer-free time increased from 12 to 19 days (p = .02).
- Preventive transfers to specialized mattresses were the strongest predictor of reduced pressure ulcer risk (hazard rate ratio, 0.22; p < .001).
Conclusions:
- A hospital-wide pressure ulcer care guideline led to a sustained reduction in pressure ulcer development among critically ill patients.
- Proactive patient transfers to specialized support surfaces are critical for preventing pressure ulcers.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Guidelines for Nursing Documentation II
Effective documentation is an integral part of nursing practice. Here are some essential guidelines to follow when documenting patient care:
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
Timely documentation is crucial to ensure continuity of care for patients. Any delays in recording or reporting medical information can result in medical errors and even adverse patient outcomes. From medication administration to diagnostic test results, every detail must be accurately and promptly documented to provide the best possible care for patients.
01:25Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care
Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
01:11Guidelines for Writing Outcome
When developing expected outcomes for a patient care plan, the nurse should adhere to the following recommendations:
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
Patient outcomes reflect the patient's response to the goal rather than what the nurse aims to achieve. Terminology should be observable and measurable to avoid the reader's interpretation. The desired outcome should be realistic and achievable in the designated care timeframe. Expected outcomes should align with adjunctive therapies. The outcome should enhance care evaluation by...
01:10Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Accurate blood pressure assessment is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions. To ensure the reliability of these measurements, healthcare professionals must adhere to standardized pre-procedural guidelines. These guidelines enhance patient safety and improve the overall quality of healthcare. The following steps are essential for obtaining accurate and consistent blood pressure readings, from using the appropriate tools to ensuring effective communication with the patient.