Pressure ulcers and nutritional deficits in elderly long-term care patients : effects of a comprehensive nutritional program on pressure ulcer healing, length of hospital stay and charges to patients

Abstract

Allen, Beverlin, "Pressure ulcers and nutritional deficits in elderly long-term care patients : effects of a comprehensive nutritional program on pressure ulcer healing, length of hospital stay and charges to patients" (2010 The dissertation of Beverlin Allen is approved. The elderly are at the highest risk of developing pressure ulcers that result in prolonged hospitalization, high health care costs, increased mortality, and decreased quality of life. The burden of pressure ulcers will intensify because of a rapidly increasing elderly population in the United States (US). Poor nutrition is a major predictor of pressure ulcer formation. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a comprehensive, interdisciplinary nutritional protocol on: 1) pressure ulcer wound healing 2) length of hospital stays, and 3) charges for pressure ulcer management. Interim Dean Sharon PontiusUsing a pre-intervention/post intervention quasi-experimental design the study sample was composed of 100 patients 60 years or older, admitted with or acquiring a pressure ulcer. A pre-intervention group (n= 50) received routine pressure ulcer care (standard diet, dressing changes, and equipment). A post-intervention group received routine care plus an interdisciplinary nutrition intervention (physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, added protein and calories to the diet). Research questions were vi analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, Chi-Square Tests, and T-tests.