Development Of Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention Guidelines In The Intensive Care Room Unit Of Hospital University, University Of North Sumatra

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Development of Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention Guidelines in the Intensive Care Room Unit of Hospital University, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

Decubitus ulcers, also known as pressure ulcers or bed sores, are a serious health problem that affects patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These wounds can arise due to prolonged pressure on the skin, especially in areas that are in contact with hard surfaces. As a result, it is crucial for nurses to have a clear and effective Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide to ensure optimal patient care. This study aims to develop a guideline for the prevention of decubitus ulcers at the ICU of the University of North Sumatra Hospital through an action-based study.

The Importance of Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention

Decubitus ulcers are a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly in ICUs where patients are often immobile and at risk of developing these wounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pressure ulcers are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals worldwide. In Indonesia, the prevalence of decubitus ulcers is estimated to be around 10-20% in ICUs, highlighting the need for effective prevention strategies.

Research Methodology

This research was conducted between May and August 2020, adopting an action research approach involving a research cycle. Fifteen nurses were chosen through purposive sampling and participated in the study. The measuring instrument used consisted of a guide to Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and a questionnaire that measured the knowledge of nurses about decubitus ulcers.

Data Analysis

Data analysis was carried out using qualitative methods, including content analysis, as well as quantitative analysis using frequency distribution. The results of these two analyzes served as the basis for developing a more systematic and effective guide.

Results and Analysis

The results showed that there were deficiencies in nurses' knowledge about decubitus ulcers and their prevention techniques. Through the FGD session, nurses provided constructive input about the challenges they face in preventing decubitus ulcers, such as lack of time and resources available for proper care.

Development of the Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention Guide

The development of the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide at the ICU of the University of North Sumatra Hospital aims to increase the knowledge and skills of nurses in dealing with risky patients. The guide includes clear preventive steps, including:

  • Periodic changes in the patient's position
  • The use of appropriate sleeping mats
  • Education to patients and families about the importance of decubitus ulcer prevention

Benefits of the Guide

This guide is expected to be a useful tool for nurses in the ICU in providing optimal care. With this guide, it is expected that the number of cases of decubitus ulcers in hospitals can be significantly reduced. In addition, this research also provides added value for the development of evidence-based nursing practices in Indonesia, especially in the intensive care environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide at the ICU of the University of North Sumatra Hospital is an important step in improving patient care standards. By involving nurses in the process of developing guidelines, it is hoped that the resulting solutions will be more relevant and can be applied in daily practice. This study is also a mirror that the collaboration between medical teams and nurses is very important in creating a safe and effective treatment environment for patients.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The guide should be implemented in all ICUs in Indonesia to ensure consistency in patient care.
  • Continuous education and training should be provided to nurses to enhance their knowledge and skills in decubitus ulcer prevention.
  • The guide should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest evidence-based practices in decubitus ulcer prevention.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

  • The sample size was limited to 15 nurses, which may not be representative of the entire nursing population.
  • The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may not be generalizable to other healthcare settings.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the guide in reducing the incidence of decubitus ulcers in ICUs.
  • Conducting a larger-scale study to include more nurses and healthcare settings.
  • Developing a more comprehensive guide that includes additional preventive measures, such as wound care and management.

References

  • World Health Organization. (2019). Pressure Ulcers.
  • Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2018). Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers.
  • University of North Sumatra Hospital. (2020). Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention Guide.

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention Guidelines

Q: What is a Dekubitus ulcer?

A: A Dekubitus ulcer, also known as a pressure ulcer or bed sore, is a serious health problem that affects patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). These wounds can arise due to prolonged pressure on the skin, especially in areas that are in contact with hard surfaces.

Q: Why is Dekubitus ulcer prevention important?

A: Dekubitus ulcers are a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly in ICUs where patients are often immobile and at risk of developing these wounds. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pressure ulcers are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals worldwide.

Q: What are the common causes of Dekubitus ulcers?

A: The common causes of Dekubitus ulcers include:

  • Prolonged pressure on the skin
  • Immobility
  • Poor wound care
  • Inadequate nutrition
  • Infection

Q: What are the symptoms of Dekubitus ulcers?

A: The symptoms of Dekubitus ulcers include:

  • Redness and swelling of the skin
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Open sores or wounds
  • Foul odor

Q: How can Dekubitus ulcers be prevented?

A: Dekubitus ulcers can be prevented by:

  • Periodic changes in the patient's position
  • The use of appropriate sleeping mats
  • Education to patients and families about the importance of Dekubitus ulcer prevention
  • Regular wound care and management

Q: What is the role of nurses in Dekubitus ulcer prevention?

A: Nurses play a crucial role in Dekubitus ulcer prevention by:

  • Conducting regular assessments of patients at risk of developing Dekubitus ulcers
  • Implementing preventive measures, such as periodic changes in the patient's position and the use of appropriate sleeping mats
  • Educating patients and families about the importance of Dekubitus ulcer prevention
  • Providing regular wound care and management

Q: What are the benefits of the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide?

A: The benefits of the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide include:

  • Reduced incidence of Dekubitus ulcers in ICUs
  • Improved patient care standards
  • Enhanced knowledge and skills of nurses in Dekubitus ulcer prevention
  • Added value for the development of evidence-based nursing practices in Indonesia

Q: How can the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide be implemented in ICUs?

A: The Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide can be implemented in ICUs by:

  • Conducting regular training and education sessions for nurses
  • Providing regular updates and revisions to the guide
  • Encouraging collaboration between medical teams and nurses
  • Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the guide

Q: What are the limitations of the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide?

A: The limitations of the Dekubitus ulcer prevention guide include:

  • Limited sample size
  • Limited generalizability to other healthcare settings
  • Need for regular updates and revisions to reflect the latest evidence-based practices

Q: What are the future research directions for Dekubitus ulcer prevention?

A: Future research directions for Dekubitus ulcer prevention include:

  • Evaluating the effectiveness of the guide in reducing the incidence of Dekubitus ulcers in ICUs
  • Conducting a larger-scale study to include more nurses and healthcare settings
  • Developing a more comprehensive guide that includes additional preventive measures, such as wound care and management.

References

  • World Health Organization. (2019). Pressure Ulcers.
  • Indonesian Ministry of Health. (2018). Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pressure Ulcers.
  • University of North Sumatra Hospital. (2020). Dekubitus Ulcer Prevention Guide.

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.