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Skin Assessment and Pressure Ulcer Care in Hospital Skilled Nursing Facilities |
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The Minimum Data Set, a comprehensive assessment tool for nursing home residents, is used for clinical decision-making, research, quality improvement, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Within the MDS, pressure ulcers and skin condition are evaluated. Because information about pressure ulcer prevalence and care in hospital-based skilled nursing facilities is sparse, a study was conducted to: a) determine pressure ulcer prevalence upon admission to hospital-based skilled nursing facilities in the state of Missouri, and b) ascertain methods of assessment, treatment, and documentation of skin and pressure ulcer care in these facilities. Prevalence data were obtained from analysis of the MDS data, and a survey was conducted to obtain skin care practices.
Despite the limitations inherent in survey designs and the use of databases such as the MDS, the results of this study suggest that pressure ulcers are a common problem in acute care and hospital-based skilled nursing facilities and research-based risk assessment, prevention, and wound assessment strategies have not been widely implemented. The results of this study provide a basis for developing educational programs and a guide for future research. Siem, C.A., Wipke-Tevis, D.D., Rantz, M.J., & Popejoy, L.L. (2003). Skin Assessment and Pressure Ulcer Care in Hospital Skilled Nursing Facilities. Ostomy/Wound Management, 49(6): 42-58. |