ence. The researchers compared the percentage of patients who had pressure ulcers on a given day to all patients assessed for pressure ulcers to determine prevalence. The American Nursing Association (ANA) maintains that the national average for ICU pressure ulcer development is 14.5% and 20.2% for Med-surg, (Langemo, et al., 2003). The researchers found in their study that the average for healthcare facilities involved were 13.1% for ICU and 4.1% for Med-surg (Langemo, et al., 2003). This research has clinical practice because the lower averages suggest more effective guidelines for preventing and treating pressure ulcers.
Buss, Halfens, Abu-Saad and Kok (2004) conducted a qualitative study with semi-structured, tape-recorded interviews to highlight the views and beliefs of healthcare workers about prevention of pressure ulcers. The researchers found that many of todayÆs practices with regard to pressure ulcer prevention are based on ôold traditions in nursingö (Buss, et al., 2004, p. 668). The authorsÆ concluded that a systematic approach is called for to change the views and beliefs of practitioners about pressure ulcer prevention. This research has implications for clinical practice today, because the views and beliefs of nurses regarding prevention of pressure ulcers can be used as a basis for developing effect
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