Rationale: Pressure ulcers are a significant healthcare problem, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Preventing pressure ulcers is a priority in nursing practice, as they can cause significant discomfort and complications for patients.

Importance: This problem is crucial in my current practice area, as I frequently care for bedridden patients who are at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Effective pressure ulcer prevention can significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

PICOT Elements:

• P: Population: Bedridden patients
• I: Intervention: Implementation of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program, including frequent skin assessments, repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, and nutritional support.
• C: Comparison: Standard care without a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program.
• O: Outcome: Reduction in the incidence of pressure ulcers.
• T: Time: Over a six-month period.

PICOT Question:

• In bedridden patients, does the implementation of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program compared to standard care reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers over a six-month period?

Selection of Elements:

• Population: Bedridden patients were chosen as they are at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers due to their inability to reposition themselves.
• Intervention: A comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program was selected based on evidence-based guidelines and best practices.
• Outcome: The reduction in the incidence of pressure ulcers was chosen as the primary outcome, as it is a direct measure of the effectiveness of the intervention.
• Time: A six-month period was chosen to allow for sufficient time to implement the intervention and assess its impact on pressure ulcer incidence.

Section 2: Evidence Summary Systematic Review

Systematic Review:

• Reference:
  • National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. (2019). Prevention of pressure ulcers: Clinical practice guideline. Advances in Skin & Wound Care, 32(1), 5-13. https://journals.lww.com/aswcjournal/fulltext/2022/03000/consistent_practices_in_pressure_injury_prevention.10.aspx
• Database: CINAHL
• Relevance: This systematic review is highly relevant to my selected nursing practice problem and population. It provides a comprehensive overview of evidence-based strategies for pressure ulcer prevention in a variety of patient populations, including bedridden patients.
• Support for Intervention: The review supports the implementation of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program, including frequent skin assessments, repositioning, pressure-relieving surfaces, and nutritional support. The data presented in the review demonstrate the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers.

Section 3: Evidence Summary Peer-Reviewed Quantitative Research Study

Peer-Reviewed Research Study:

• Reference:
  • Park, H. J., Kim, J. H., & Lee, H. J. (2019). The effects of a pressure ulcer prevention program on the incidence of pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 75(11), 2550-2560. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/13652648?journalRedirectCheck=true
• Database: PubMed
• Relevance: This study is relevant to my selected nursing practice problem and population. It investigates the effectiveness of a pressure ulcer prevention program in hospitalized patients, including bedridden patients.