The initial PICOT question that I have formulated based on my area of interest for EBP proposal revolved around pressure ulcer management for the elderly patient.
The initial PICOT question that I have formulated based on my area of interest for EBP proposal revolved around pressure ulcer management for the elderly patient.
PICOT QUESTIONS
For elderly patients above 60 years with pressure ulcers (P) will the negative pressure wound therapy (I) as opposed to standard moist wound therapy (C) improve the healing of the pressure ulcer (O) during their two-week stay at the hospital (T).
Rationale
One of the major issues that raises concern is the delayed healing of pressure ulcer wound particularly, among elderly patient. There is a high prevalence of pressure ulcers among patients above the age of 60. Research shows that pressure ulcers account for 70% of the complications among elderly hospitalized patients and that 71% of pressure ulcers occur among patients above 70 years. The cost of treating pressure ulcers has increased significantly because these patients tend to stay longer at the hospitals (Magny et al, 2017). There are varieties of treatment options for this condition. Due to shortcomings in the existing treatment options for this condition, there is a need to develop more evidence-based solutions (Boyko et al, 2018). The negative pressure wound therapy involves attaching a machine to the wound dressing so that it can suck all the tissue fluid away from the wound (Fernandez et al, 2017).
The topic of delayed wound healing among elderly patient is a major issue of concern because of the reduced quality of life and long stay in the hospital. This question is important because it will compare the effectiveness of two pressure wound therapies to determine if pressure wound therapy improves the healing of pressure wounds. The topic will also help in determining the effectiveness of pressure wound therapy as compared to standard moist wound therapy when it comes to facilitating wound healing. Upon completion of this project, an evidence-based solution will be developed for elderly patients with pressure wounds. My PICOT question will help to improve patient care because it will be a way to treat an elderly patient wound. The implication of my PICOT question to the nursing practice is that it is a tested method to improve wound care. It is an intervention that will help patients achieve the desired results.
References
Boyko, T. V., Longaker, M. T., & Yang, G. P. (2018). Review of the current management of pressure ulcers. Advances in wound7(2), 57-67. Retrieved from https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/wound.2016.0697
Fernandez, L., Ellman, C., & Jackson, P. (2017). Initial experience using a novel reticulated open cell foam dressing with through holes during negative pressure wound therapy with instillation for management of pressure ulcers. J Trauma Treat, 6(5), 410. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Luis_Fernandez63/publication/322608300_Initial_Experience_Using_a_Novel_Reticulated_Open_Cell_Foam_Dressing_with_Through_Holes_during_Negative_Pressure_Wound_Therapy_with_Instillation_for_Management_of_Pressure_Ulcers/links/5a7363e3a6fdcc53fe146b0b/Initial-Experience-Using-a-Novel-Reticulated-Open-Cell-Foam-Dressing-with-Through-Holes-during-Negative-Pressure-Wound-Therapy-with-Instillation-for-Management-of-Pressure-Ulcers.pdf
Magny, E., Vallet, H., Cohen-Bittan, J., Raux, M., Meziere, A., Verny, M., … & Boddaert, J. (2017). Pressure ulcers are associated with 6-month mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture managed in orthogeriatric care pathway. Archives of osteoporosis, 12(1), 77. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11657-017-0365-9
