Baker TL, Boyce J, Gairy P, Mighty G, et al.
Ostomy/wound management. Date of publication 2011 Feb 1;volume 57(2):38-47.
1. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2011 Feb;57(2):38-47.
Interprofessional management of a complex continuing care patient admitted
with 18 pressure ulcers: a case report.
Baker TL(1), Boyce J, Gairy P, Mighty G.
Author information:
(1)Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario,
Canada. baker.tamara@torontorehab.on.ca
Interprofessional practice (IP)--ie, collaborative practice--involves
interaction and knowledge-sharing between professionals from different
disciplines in order to meet the needs of the patient. This approach to care is
well suited to patients with pressure ulcers, whose complex and varying
presentations require the monitoring and consultation of an IP team. A
44-year-old man with anoxic brain injury was admitted to a complex continuing
care facility with 18 wounds, 17 of which were pressure ulcers. The patient was
at high risk for further skin breakdown as a result of immobility, incontinence,
impaired cognition, impaired sensation, low body weight, and positioning
challenges secondary to contractures and spasticity. Wounds were located
primarily around the patient's sacrum, trochanters, feet, and ankles. The care
team included a physician, unit manager, clinical nurse educator, nurses,
physiotherapist, occupational therapist, registered dietician, and pharmacist,
all with varying roles related to wound care. The patient's wife was concerned
about his overall health status and wanted to move him out of his room in a
wheelchair to spend time with him. Using current best practices, the IP team
implemented management strategies that facilitated wheelchair time during family
visits; plus, all 18 wounds healed within 15 months of admission. The patient did
not develop any new areas of skin breakdown. IP collaboration facilitated the
problem-solving needed to meet the complex needs of this patient.
PMID: 21350271 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
