Effect of Evidence Based Practices Guidelines on Immobilized Orthopedic Patients' Outcome regarding Pressure Ulcers

Abstract

Background: Pressure ulcers are a prevalent health condition that presents a nursing and social strain. The risk of death is two to six times higher in a patient with a pressure ulcer than in those with intact skin. Aim: assessing the influence of applying evidence-based practices guidelines on immobilized orthopedic Patients' Outcome regarding Pressure Ulcers. Method: This study was done at Benha University Hospital's orthopaedic unit utilizing a quasi-experimental research approach. This research enrolled a purposive sample of sixty adult patients. , divided equally into study and control groups. Two tools were employed for collecting data. Tool I; Comprehensive skin assessment sheet and tool II; Braden Risk Assessment Scale. Results: There was a statistically significant variation in patients' Outcomes regarding pressure ulcers following application of evidence-based practises guidelines between the study and control groups. Otherwise, orthopedic immobilized patients receiving standard nursing care developed multiple and advanced stages of pressure ulcers. Conclusion: Implementation of evidence-based practice guidelines significantly improved orthopedic immobilized patients' outcome regarding pressure ulcers as compared to orthopedic immobilized patients receiving normal nursing care. Recommendations: Pressure ulcer prevention in accordance with evidence-based practises guidelines should be successfully applied for orthopedic immobilized patients who are at risk of having pressure ulcers.