Preventing pressure ulcers through use of protocols in a mentored nursing model

Few conditions offer a better opportunity for nurses to have a dramatic and visible impact on quality care than skin care. Nursing interventions targeted to prevent pressure ulcers and their painful, costly complications are an expected standard of care in all care settings. Preventing pressure ulcers may be most important in the acute care setting, where previously healthy elders with acute illness, immobility, impaired appetite, and new-onset incontinence may suddenly and unexpectedly develop pressure ulcers. Often acute care nurses have not been fully cognizant of the threat that pressure ulcers can pose for acutely ill patients. Teaching nurses skills of prevention, including assessments, and interventions for this group of patients is critical. Traditional teaching methods supplemented with an innovative mentoring program and clinical protocols may be one way to accomplish this.