Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare pressure ulcer prevention programs in 2 long-term care (LTC) facilities with diverse Information Technology Sophistication (ITS), one with high sophistication and one with low sophistication, and to identify implications for the WOC nurse.
DESIGN: Secondary analysis of narrative data obtained from a mixed-methods study.
SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study setting was 2 LTC facilities in the Midwestern United States. The sample comprised 39 staff from 2 facilities, including 26 from a high-ITS facility and 13 from the low-ITS facility. Respondents included certified nurse assistants, certified medical technicians, restorative medical technicians, social workers, RNs, licensed practical nurses, information technology staff, administrators, and directors.
METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of interviews regarding communication and education strategies in 2 LTC agencies. This analysis focused on focus group interviews, which included both direct and nondirect care providers.
RESULTS: Eight themes (codes) were identified in the analysis. Three themes are presented individually with exemplars of communication and education strategies. The analysis revealed specific differences between the high-ITS and low-ITS facilities in regard to education and communication involving pressure ulcer prevention. These differences have direct implications for WOC nurses consulting in the LTC setting.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study suggest that effective strategies for staff education and communication regarding PU prevention differ based on the level of ITS within a given facility. Specific strategies for education and communication are suggested for agencies with high ITS and agencies with low ITS.