Translational Research: Efficacy of New Policy Implementation Among Pressure Ulcer Patients

This discussion post elaborates on the efficacy of new policy implementation among pressure ulcer patients in the field of translational research. It discusses the implementation of care practices, the impact of confounding variables, and the relevance of pressure ulcer guidelines.

Running head: DISCUSSION
Transitional research
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1DISCUSSION
Introduction- Translational research encompasses the procedure of implementing basic
biology knowledge and evidence gained from clinical trials to tools and approaches that are able
to address medical needs of patients. This discussion post will elaborate on the efficacy of new
policy implementation, among pressure ulcer patients.
Discussion- There is mounting evidence for the fact that pressure ulcer planning
encompasses the procedure of translating risk assessment information of patients to specific
action plan that helps in the identification of the needs of patients (Swafford, Culpepper and
Dunn 2016). Hence, the primary aim of the researchers was to implement particular care
practices that helped in preventing pressure ulcer development amid patients, during their stay in
hospitals. The researchers did not find any noteworthy enhancement in adequate care for
preventing pressure ulcers (De Laat et al. 2005). One major reason was the failure in measuring
nursing care, due to presence of in-between activities, which also involved patient positioning,
upon finding patients in uncomfortable position. Additionally, stimulation of patient friends
and/or family members might have created an impact on adequate care.
The policy was based on the pressure ulcer guidelines that had been proposed by the
Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, and
another researcher. Usage of the two guidelines was a correct procedure since they identified the
indisputableness of turning patients at regular intervals, who are recognised at a risk for pressure
ulcer. In addition, the guideline also focused on improving and maintaining tissue tolerance, with
the aim of averting injuries, and protecting the patients against adverse impacts of external
mechanical forces (US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care
Policy and Research 1992; European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel 1998). In addition, it had
also been suggested by Defloor (2000) that turning of patients on viscoelastic foam mattress, at

2DISCUSSION
an interval of four hours, acts as an effective pressure ulcer prevention method. Hence, the
guidelines were appropriate for informing practice at that time.
Conclusion- To conclude, although translational research encompasses evidence-based
investigation for improving longevity and human health, by determining its relevance to novel
discoveries related to human disease, I consider a need to adjust the confounding variables, prior
to assessment of the efficacy of pressure ulcer guidelines on the patients.

3DISCUSSION
Reference
De Laat, E.H., Schoonhoven, L., Pickkers, P., Verbeek, A.L. and Van Achterberg, T., 2005.
Implementation of a new policy results in a decrease of pressure ulcer frequency. International
Journal for Quality in Health Care, 18(2), pp.107-112.
Defloor, T., 2000. The effect of position and mattress on interface pressure. Applied nursing
research, 13(1), pp.2-11.
European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel., 1998. A policy statement of the prevention of pressure
ulcers from the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. Br J Nurs, (7), pp.888–890.
Swafford, K., Culpepper, R. and Dunn, C., 2016. Use of a comprehensive program to reduce the
incidence of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers in an intensive care unit. American Journal of
Critical Care, 25(2), pp.152-155.
US Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.,
1992. Pressure Ulcer in Adults: Prediction and Prevention. Clinical Practice Guideline, (3), pp.
92-0047.