Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

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Evidence-based practice (EBP) is becoming more popular in the current elderly generation throughout many health care practices (McKibbon, 1998). With the current knowledge in the workplace, we are required to keep up on how to better our patients and keep their health up to par. EBP is sought to come from scientific evidence and clinical expertise. Some of the evidence collected to develop these studies to better patients are directly from individual patients experience and needs (McKibbon, 1998). As I am currently working on my undergraduate degree, I am realizing how important EBP and research are.
There are four steps in the EBP process, which help make a framework around the current issue(s) at hand. Step one is framing the clinical question,
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Prevention is also what we had healthcare workers need to aim for. Microclimate is of upmost importance when looking to prevent any level of pressure ulcer. Temperature and humidity are the two key factors to always be taking care of. If these two factors are increased it makes the skin weaker putting them at high risk for skin break down (Dunk, 2015). This can happen with urination and fecal incontinence, perspiration, or anything else causing a wet surface. Successfully addressing these factors that cause microclimate is clinically proven in lessening the risk of pressure ulcer development. Not only does it just relate to incontinence but also dermatitis, which is inflammation of the skin (Dunk, 2015). It use to be that draw sheets were the only form of movement for staff to lift or turn a patient but this was found to have a negative effect, causing much microclimate. Now, there are supportive lifting devices at facility’s to help lift patients so they do not have to have the rubbery plastic under them, which is what was the old technique causing much microclimate. There are also incontinence management products such as certain briefs, pull ups, barrier creams to prevent and treat pressure ulcers, techniques of getting pressure of the persons back side who is bed ridden, pH cleansers, and washable incontinent sheets (Dunk, 2015). All of these interventions help tremendously in preventing pressure ulcers. According to Dunk, “Health organizations need to support an evidence based approach to practice challenges and in parallel with education packages. This leads to improved skin integrity in patients.” I agree with Dunk as many health care staff I’m sure would as well. Being up on the newest improved techniques and equipment to help prevent pressure ulcers, would make everyone happy including the patient and