Dissertation
Implementing Evidenced-Based Wound Care Guidelines for Care of Hospice Patients
University of Iowa
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
Abstract
Background: Pressure injuries affect over 3 million people in America. Hospice patients with multiple risk factors have a higher risk of pressure injury development than others. If a pressure injury occurs, it can significantly impact quality of life. The primary goal for wound management is to minimize symptoms such as pain, odor, exudate, prevent infection, worsening of ulcers, and maintain skin integrity to maximize patient comfort and quality of life. Without baseline knowledge of wound care management, this goal can be challenging. Purpose: The primary aim of this quality improvement project was to enhance knowledge and confidence in pressure injury wound care management and increase the implementation of wound care management guidelines. Methods: The Knowledge to Action Cycle (KTA) framework was utilized for this project. The six participants completed a pre-education, post, and 3-month post-education survey using a 5-point Likert scale to assess knowledge and confidence of wound care management. Following the 30-minute PowerPoint education on wound care products and management, a wound care guideline tool was provided to use during the intervention period on any patient identified as having a pressure injury. After the 3-month intervention period, the frequency of use of the wound care guideline was measured. Findings: Staff knowledge increased by an average of 28%, staff confidence increased an average of 32%, and implementation of wound care guidelines increased by 92.3%. Providing education on evidence-based wound care and implementing a wound care guideline tool showed effectiveness in increasing the knowledge and confidence of nursing staff when managing pressure injuries. Discussion: When the skin fails and wounds develop, hospice nurses need to be able to manage patients wound care confidently and knowledgeably. Knowing how to order the appropriate dressings to manage their wounds increases patient comfort, satisfaction, quality of life, prevents delays in care, and is cost-effective.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Implementing Evidenced-Based Wound Care Guidelines for Care of Hospice Patients
- Creators
- Dana McMahon - University of Iowa
- Contributors
- Larry Newman (Chair) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Project Type
- Poster
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Adult/Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (Acute Care)
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 1 page
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Dana McMahon
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Nursing; Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects
- Record Identifier
- 9984841528002771
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