Nursing practices for primary pressure ulcer prevention in elderly
Innos, Elena; Osipova, Darja (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024123138213
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024123138213
Tiivistelmä
Globally, populations are aging rapidly, with many countries seeing significant increases in the percentage of older adults. An aging population increases the prevalence of comorbidities and mobility challenges, which elevates the risk of pressure ulcers. Despite advances in medical technologies and prevention strategies, pressure ulcers remain widespread, particularly among the elderly with reduced mobility.
This thesis was conducted as a descriptive literature review. The purpose of this thesis was to explore and summarize nursing practices that are used in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly patients. The aim of the thesis was to provide a comprehensive review of reliable nursing practices that can be used for prevention of pressure ulcers in elderly patients. The research material included twelve peer-reviewed studies written in English to identify effective interventions. According to the research material the question What nursing practices are used in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly patients? for this thesis was determined. The process consisted of data collection, that was gathered from reliable online databases PubMed and CINAHL.
Three main themes rose based on research results repositioning, nutrition aspect and lack of professional awareness. In general, performed theory and studies results were almost comparable. Although professional knowledge theme was not included in the theoretical framework as a separate chapter, its importance permeated through the whole thesis.
The thesis can be valuable for healthcare professionals specializing in geriatric care, particularly nurses dealing with old patients in various institutions such as nursing homes and home care or nursing students.
It could be interesting to investigate further which reasons may lie in the lack of healthcare professionals’ awareness, particularly in relation to the quantity of available training programs, access to updated guidelines, and the role of institutional support. Understanding these factors could help improve education and practice.
This thesis was conducted as a descriptive literature review. The purpose of this thesis was to explore and summarize nursing practices that are used in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly patients. The aim of the thesis was to provide a comprehensive review of reliable nursing practices that can be used for prevention of pressure ulcers in elderly patients. The research material included twelve peer-reviewed studies written in English to identify effective interventions. According to the research material the question What nursing practices are used in preventing pressure ulcers in elderly patients? for this thesis was determined. The process consisted of data collection, that was gathered from reliable online databases PubMed and CINAHL.
Three main themes rose based on research results repositioning, nutrition aspect and lack of professional awareness. In general, performed theory and studies results were almost comparable. Although professional knowledge theme was not included in the theoretical framework as a separate chapter, its importance permeated through the whole thesis.
The thesis can be valuable for healthcare professionals specializing in geriatric care, particularly nurses dealing with old patients in various institutions such as nursing homes and home care or nursing students.
It could be interesting to investigate further which reasons may lie in the lack of healthcare professionals’ awareness, particularly in relation to the quantity of available training programs, access to updated guidelines, and the role of institutional support. Understanding these factors could help improve education and practice.