Development of professional nursing roles according to guidelines for preventing pressure ulcers among dependent elderly people with Tele-nursing

Abstract

Abstract

            This research and development aimed to (1) develop a guideline to prevent pressure ulcers in dependent elderly using telenursing; (2) develop the role of professional nurses; and (3) study the results of using the guideline. The sample consisted of 30 dependent elderly and 30 professional nurses. The research instruments included the guideline and online video. The data collection tools consisted of (1) general data recording form and the elderly clinical outcomes recording form; (2) pressure ulcer risk assessment form; (3) knowledge and skills on self-management to prevent pressure ulcers questionnaire; (4) the elderly’s satisfaction questionnaire; (5) the nurse’s role assessment form according to the guideline; and (6) the nurses’ satisfaction questionnaire. The content validity was checked by 5 experts and Cronbach's alpha was ​​ .89, .82, .86, and .82, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-test.

The results found that the guideline consisted of 4 parts: (1) work flow diagram; (2) caregiver team, multidisciplinary team and network partners; (3) the role of professional nurses; and (4) pressure ulcer risk assessment form. The role of professional nurses consisted of 5 aspects: (1) assessment of knowledge and understanding of the elderly/ caregivers; (2) risk assessment of pressure ulcers; (3) advice/ consultation; (4) telenursing service provision system; (5) role according to the steps on telenursing. The results of using the practice guidelines revealed that the elderly/ caregivers had an average pressure ulcer risk score, an average knowledge and practice score were significantly increased (p<.01), and had a high level of satisfaction (Mean 4.43, SD .33). Professional nurses performed their nursing role according to the practice guidelines and had a high level of satisfaction (Mean 4.55, SD .09).