Table 1 Outcome space of PI management
From: How experienced wound care nurses conceptualize what to do in pressure injury management
Level | Focus | Purpose | Major activities | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment of PI | 1 | Comparison | To distinguish from other wounds and assess exactly using theoretical and practical knowledge | Identification of patient medical history relating to wounds and comparison of the characteristics of each stage as prescribed in guidelines and from experience |
2 | Consideration | To identify not only the surface condition but also the potential power of patients when making a treatment plan | Concerning all factors that affect the treatment of PIs and evaluate which factors can be improved | |
3 | Monitoring | To identify changes in the PI and monitor progress against predictions and adjust the direction of treatment accordingly | Nursing activities that document and photograph the PI after assessment for each dressing and suggest that treatment plans and injury management methods may constantly change according to the evolving status | |
Intervention of PI | 1 | Creation | To aid self-healing, involving the management of both internal and external environmental aspects | Interventions for humidity, dryness, and pressure on the skin that affect skin durability. Interventions for hygiene management and education for the patient, caregivers, and ward nurses |
2 | Conversation | To observe changes in the injury status to maintain positive factors for healing and eliminate negative factors for prevention purposes, thereby having all relevant factors for facilitating the treatment | Daily monitoring of epithelization, increase in tissue granulation, size reduction, etc. And preventing deterioration by treating infection | |
3 | Awareness of limitations | To identify one’s capabilities and limits, and to request support and resources when needed | Collaborate with other departments or medical teams for a multi-disciplinary approach |