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Web site spotlight: Define the goal for pressure ulcer treatment

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, May 14, 2008

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Before developing a treatment plan for pressure ulcers, make sure you understand some basic concepts. Treatment does not refer only to a topical approach to the wound; it involves the total interdisciplinary approach. Where do you start?

First, define the overall goal of treatment. Interdisciplinary teams sometimes get lost in this process-they meet and each team member discusses his or her specialized area separately. Care plans that result from such meetings become routine and are problem- or disease-based instead of patient-based. When that happens, you have missed the point of a total interdisciplinary approach. Instead, treatment must occur within the context of the patient's whole situation. It is important to remember to focus on the patient and his or her family. Determine which category the goal falls into:

• Healing
• Maintenance
• Comfort

Armed with this information, your team can develop a plan that is consistent with the goal.

Editor's note: This excerpt was taken from the article Treatment Concepts for Pressure Ulcers, found in the Evidence-Based Resource Center at www.StrategiesForNurseManagers.com. Get a free trial membership that will give you 30 days to "test drive" all the exciting features on the Web site.

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