Does the Assessment of Risk Factors Prevent the Development of Pressure Ulcers in Hospitalised Patients.

I will be writing this essay using a clinical question, which I formulated. My clinical question is based upon “Does the assessment of risk factors prevent the development of pressure ulcers in hospitalised patients.” I will be discussing and analysing my questions and findings from reliable, current, valid and trustworthy sources found within five articles based on the subject of pressure ulcers. All articles are based on quantitative research undertaken. “From the findings of a good, current, reliable, valid or trustworthy research is the basis for maintaining high standards of care and all nurses must use practice based on the most up to date evidence (NMC 2008). It is now an important part of nursing to actively participate in research and evidence based practice, in order to continually improve the standard of the health care system. This process ensures that nurses are kept up to date with relevant information needed to provide the most effective care for patients. During my essay I will provide a critical appraisal I made of one of the five articles, I will demonstrate whether I feel the article is of a trustworthy source of information and validity. Also discussing the importance of information provided and if the information obtained will make a difference to the quality and effectiveness of care and if the information is usable within clinical practice and how it applies to my clinical practice. The title of my assignment reflects on my nursing practice as assessing the risk factors of a patient is very vital to carry out as to promote the prevention of pressure ulcers. In order to provide consistent information and enable nurses to plan appropriate prevention strategies a number of assessment tools have been developed and put in place (eg:-Norton et al 1975,Waterlow 2005). As stated by NICE guidelines, patients should receive an initial and ongoing assessment within 6 hours of admission in the first episode of care, (NICE 2005).

Evidence based

References: http://www.nmc.co.uk. [Accessed 20 May 2011]. Welcome to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.nice.org.uk/. [Accessed 20 May 2011]. Fleming, K and Cullum,N (1997) ‘doing the right thing’, Nursing srandard, 12:28-30.