“One takes in ninety percent of visual stimuli, and reads non-text sixty percent faster” (Dartmouth, 2012). Illustrations, images, as well as videos invite the reader to stop and take a deeper look into the words that accompany them. Visual literacy is a universal language; furthermore, visual media can tell a story, give an example, as well as show a demonstration, all without the use of words. The presentation will use visual literacy to demonstrate how the cognitive communication theory explains the use of visual media through diagrams, composition changes, visual marketing, and social media will assist in teaching the information given by the proper authorities, such as the CDC, WHO, and NPUAP, regarding the proper hand washing/rubbing …show more content…
When one sees a picture, he or she will read. Therefore, using the visual literacy concept, visuals will be utilized as additional reading material, as is necessary for critical thought, group discussion topics, and to elaborate on the importance of the issues contained in the media. According to the Cognitive theory, the brain is always on the lookout for things that look familiar (Ryan, 2012, Sect. 1.7). Therefore, using this concept for the decubitus ulcer staging illustrations will help the nurses recall decubitus ulcers they have visualized in the past, as well as help them remember the illustrations, when needed, to assess and stage a new decubitus per the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, or NPUAP (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2014). In addition, the visuals from the WHO and NPUAP show branding in visual marketing by placing their logo at the bottom of all their illustrations. The design of said visuals are unchanged from the originals, as they were downloaded from the actual web site for teaching purposes; therefore, no copyright infringement occurred. In addition the visuals …show more content…
The diagram from the WHO that illustrates ‘when’ to wash one’s hands will remind staff that there are many times to wash one’s hands, including after touching patient’s surroundings, which is frequently omitted for time saving purposes (World Health Organization, 2012). The visual diagrams from the WHO illustrate the hand washing and hand rubbing techniques and will clarify any misconceptions the staff may have about handwashing, as well as the use of hand sanitizers in the patient care area (World Health Organization, 2012). The video from the CDC demonstrating the actual handwashing technique in action will show the staff, in a real setting, how to wash their hands (Centers for Diseasse and Prevention (CDC), 2008). In addition, the wound illustrations identify a normal healthy cross-section of skin with each layer labeled, which will remind the staff that there are many layers of the dermis prior to reaching the bone; furthermore, the actual visualization of skin layers will reiterate the fact that decubitus ulcers have a dramatic affect on the client’s health and well-being. Decubitus ulcers heal very slowly and the prognosis is generally poor (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 2014). Moreover, the
Nursing interventions play an important part in the reduction of pressure ulcers. A nurse can help to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers by promoting activity, carrying out skin inspections and assessments, and by using pressure relieving devices (Lynn, 2005). Some patients may fear being dropped when moved using equipment (Rogers, 1999), thus it is important for the Nurse to communicate with the patient, this way the Nurse can explain how the equipment works and the patient can express any concerns that they may have. It is important to remember that not all patients like lifting equipment and
I have significantly developed my skill in wound care assessment and dressing, in developing this skill I now recognize the importance of documenting each dressing. Morison (2001) supports this in saying that by detailing pressure ulcer assessment it provides a basis for deciding the effectiveness of the current treatment.
An interdisciplinary team of professional staff is a necessity to overcome the issue of pressure ulcer development among patients. Relevant stakeholders would include a nurse, nurse aide, dietitian, and a hospitalist. The primary responsibilities of the nurse consist of completing and documenting skin and risk assessments, monitor progress and/or changes in medical/skin conditions, report patient problems to the hospitalist, and work with the wound team
While University Hospital is already on the brink of completely preventing pressure ulcers I would still recommend implementing all of the current practices but also add new additions to the team. Currently, we have a wound care team that diligently treats at risk and affected patients. Adding a nutritionist into the team to guarantee treatment from within along with prescribed medications. This will make the team and the strategies multidisciplinary. In addition to that, each treatment should be customized for each patient in regards to cost options and best treatment for their health. The project would also have to be performed repetitively without error to ensure that it is actually helpful. Patients’ skin should continue to be examined thoroughly in common places where ulcers could arise, the standardized pressure ulcer risk assessment should be used, and the proper care should be distributed once evaluated. The team should continue to record its progress and also provide company update emails to inform the facility, as well as send the appropriate data to the higher ups for public posting.
The main priority of the Veterans Affairs system is getting zero pressure ulcers. To achieve this goal, staff must be knowledgeable of the basic principles of skin disease, preventions, and treatments when providing care for the elderly patients. They provide education and training on the current evidenced-base practice on pressure ulcer preventions. The approach that has been effectively used is the care bundle (AHRQ, 2014). We
Pressure ulcers that occur in the long term care setting are increasing in the number of incidences each year in the United States. Consequences and complications of pressure ulcer development include pain, sepsis, cellulitis, bone, and joint infections. Pressure ulcers are also associated with an increased morbidity and mortality rate, negative emotional and physical effects on patients and caregivers, and are the second leading cause of litigation in long term care facilities. The cost of treatment for pressure ulcers in the United States is estimated at 11 billion dollars annually. This has led to many programs that focus on education and intervention to prevent the development of pressure ulcers, even being addressed in public initiatives such as Healthy People 2010. Appropriate information and education for healthcare providers, patients, and families has proven to be a key factor in the prevention of pressure ulcer development. Wound management is an area of healthcare that must include a comprehensive plan for the best outcome. A care plan that includes a well-educated care team composed of various disciplines working together for holistic care of each patient has seen the best results for patients who suffer from pressure ulcers.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2.5 million patients are affected by pressure ulcers and incur costs anywhere from $9.1 billion to $11.6 billion per year in the United States (AHRQ, 2014). As of October 1, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will not reimburse hospitals for cases in which the pressure ulcer was acquired after admission (CMS, 2008). Because of this high cost, the number of patients affected each year, and insurances no longer reimbursing hospital acquired pressure ulcers (HAPU), an accurate skin assessment upon admission is critical to reduce costs, ease pain in patients, and lower incidences of pressure ulcers. This paper will address what leadership and management skills and functions are required of a wound care nurse who identifies a problem with the accuracy of skin assessments on newly admitted patients.
Pressure ulcer prevention has been the nursing worry for many years. Florence Nightingale in 1859 wrote, “If he has a bedsore, it’s generally not the fault of the disease, but of the nursing” (Nightingale, F). People may think pressure ulcers associated with poor nursing care. Prevention of pressure ulcers is a multidisciplinary responsibility; however, nurses have a primary role. Patient participation in prevention of pressure ulcers (pup) care has been shown to result in improved patient safety and satisfaction with care ((Weingart, S.N., Zhu, J., Chiappetta, L., Stuver, S.O., Schneider, E.C., Epstein, A.M. 2011). Purpose of the study includes the nurses and patients partnering together with prevention of pressure ulcers (pup) may be an effective strategy for reducing pressure ulcers (PU) among at-risk individuals. So the research team developed a pressure ulcer prevention care bundle (PUPCB) targeted at both patients and nurses, encouraging patient participation in PUP care with three simple evidence-based messages: 1) Keep moving; 2) Look after your skin; and 3) Eat a healthy diet. Messages were provided to patients with a poster, brochure and DVD. Nurses had training regarding how to be companion with patients in pressure ulcer prevention (Roberts et al. 2016).
Wound cleansing is characterised by the use of fluids to remove loosely adherent debris and necrotic tissue from the wound surface (Towler 2001). Unlike wound irrigation which is performed by a steady flow of a solution across an open wound surface to attain wound hydration, removal of inflamed materials deeper from the wound base and assisting with the visual examination. An irrigating catheter or syringe and solution may be used to flush the ulcer free of debris (Fernandez et al. 2001; Horrocks 2006; Khan and Naqvi 2006). Regardless of its importance, Magson-Roberts (2006) reported that this procedure is done as a ritual with scant literature available to support this process. Initial PU care involves debridement, wound cleansing, dressing application and several more other interventions such as repositioning, nutritional support, use of pressure relieving and lifting equipment. It has to be noted that cleansing or irrigation will have little effect on the organisms within the wound bed and the surrounding
Highlighted in the Keogh Review, and the Francis Report - Avoidable harm was inflicted by HCAI - Hand hygiene not routine amoung staff (REF). - Patients were not encouraged or assisted with hand hygiene, leading to risk of infection, staff lack awareness. - Further training needed - Staff and visitors need to comply with guidelines.
1259). One of the key component of the nursing history and physical examination is the assessment of the integumentary system for pre-existing conditions or the risk assessment for potential breakdown in skin integrity. Nurses are in the position to have an impact on the financial cost of pressure ulcers to both the health care system and the patient completing a thorough, daily skin assessment during hygiene care or independently for early recognition and early intervention (Potter& Perry, 2014, p.851). Another best practice is illustrated by with use the acronym, R.I.S.E which was devised to promote the basic principles of pressure ulcer prevention among carers. Reposition; regular repositioning can help prevent tissue damage. Inspect; daily inspection of the skin can identify areas that are at risk of ulceration. Skin care; washing and drying the skin can prevent tissue damage. Eat well; good nutrition and hydration are essential for health and wellbeing (Gethin &McIntosh, 2014, p.
Visual learning. A visual teaching should include the basic literature on wound care. The nurse should demonstrate and show how to properly clean and change the dressing. There should be conversation between the nurse and patient in order to asses if the client is understanding the teaching. The nurse should encourage the patient to take notes for later reference.
* Hand washing is the most important method of preventing the spread of infection by contact (Ayliffe et al 1999). The Nottingham University Trust Policy on Hand Hygiene (2009) states that there are three types of hand hygiene, the first is ‘routine hand hygiene’ which involves the use of soap and water for 15 – 20 seconds or the application of alcohol hand rub until the hand are dry. The second is ‘hand disinfection’ which should be used prior to an aseptic procedure by washing with soap and water and applying alcohol hand rub afterwards. The third is ‘surgical hand washing’ which is the application of a microbial agent to the hands and wrists for two minutes. In addition to which a sterile, disposable brush may be used for the first surgical hand wash of the day although continued use will encourage colonisation of microbes. The third example is the most appropriate to any O.D.P undertaking the surgical role as it is the best way for the surgical team to eliminate transient flora and reduce resident skin flora (World Health Organization 2010). The first and second are important to any O.D.P undertaking any other role within the Operating Department as this is the best way to reduce the transient microbial flora without necessarily affecting the resident skin flora
(Nagel 22). Student nurses and volunteers should place emphasis on hand-washing before and after contact
Working in a healthcare domain means providing the most effective and beneficial care for the incompetent patients. Particularly, to those who needs intimate nursing assistance such as dressing, bathing, eating, toileting and skin care activities ( Wurster 2007).This is especially true if the person is mentally, emotionally, and physically dependent like the clients in nursing homes. Nurses, health care assistants or support workers and other health care providers ought to educate themselves for improving quality of care and exceeding specific benchmarks in regards to pressure sores ( Wurster 2007). All the same the basic