EBP Question Development PDF

Running head: EBP QUESTION DEVELOPMENT 1
EBP QUESTION DEVELOPMENT
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EBP QUESTION DEVELOPMENT 2
1. What is the problem?
Despite the existence of various methods of pressure ulcer prevention, bedsores have
remained among the most clinical challenges in Intensive Care Units(ICU) and trauma units in
the hospital. Poor management of pressure ulcers has various negative consequences on the
patient and their families, hospital, general population and even at the national level(Krupp &
Monfre, 2015). One major negative effect of Pressure ulcers in patients is that it affects both
patients' psychological and physical functions in various ways. This includes decrease thought of
self-worth due to damage to self-image, pain, risks for nosocomial infections due to increased
hospitalization and disabilities(Krupp & Monfre, 2015). Chronic pressure ulcers can even affect
patients' cardiovascular and immunological functions leading to further preventable
complications(Krupp & Monfre, 2015). In addition, pressure ulcers increase cost on patients and
their families due to prolonged hospitalization, increase the cost of care at the local and national
levels as elated to high workload on nurses and physicians, long working hours and other
tangible resources used during care delivery(Call et al., 2013). A survey was conducted between
the years 1990 and 2001 concerning pressures ulcer prevalence found that the United States has
the longest large scare scale prevalence that ranges between 9.2% and 15 % as compared to
countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany(Dealey et al., 2013). Additionally, the cost
of pressure ulcer management in the United States of America is large of which it is estimated to
be around 15 billion dollars annually(Black et al., 2014). This demonstrates the magnitude of the
problem and how it is affecting the economy of the United States. Therefore, effective methods
of pressure ulcer management need to be established to combat this clinical problem.

EBP QUESTION DEVELOPMENT 3
2. Why is the problem important and relevant? What would happen if it were not
addressed?
Pressure ulcer prevention and management are significant to nurses, doctors, patients and
the nation as a whole making it the topic of interest that needs to be addressed. Effective
prevention and management of bedsores increase nurses’ and doctors’ working efficiency,
reduce workload and long working hours and promote better working conditions(Black et al.,
2014). This, in turn, increases their working moods, reduces absenteeism and promotes job
satisfaction thus enhancing the delivery of high-quality care to patients(Krupp & Monfre, 2015).
Other than that, understanding the proper management of bedsores increases nurses’ clinical
skills and advances their careers. On the other hand, prevention of pressure ulcers reduces the
cost of care to patients and hospital, promotes patients’ well-being, and reduce both related
morbidity and premature mortality rates(Krupp & Monfre, 2015). In this regard, the clinical
problem identified requires immediate attention that needs to be addressed to provide proper
management techniques that reduce the cost of care and at the same time enhancing the quality
and safe care to patients.
Failure to address this clinical challenge may lead to health care delivery problems that
affect the national economy and well-being of patients(Dealey et al., 2013). Poor pressure ulcer
management increases the cost of care that utilizes billions of money annually. This money can
be used in the development of other economically advantaged projects that can boost the
economy of the whole nation if pressure ulcers are managed effectively(Dealey et al., 2013).
Other than that, failure to address this topic will lead to increase dependency ratio due to
disabilities, a low number of active human resources, dissatisfaction among health workers and
high cost of care that will only increase poverty levels.