Quantitative Cross-Sectional Study

4.1 Summary

In this quantitative cross-sectional study the researchers have carried out an investigation on the links between dependent variable (DV) (these included risk assessment, skin assessment within 24 h of admission, pressure reducing mattress (PRM) and planned repositioning in bed) and independent variables (IV) ( i.e. Hospital and unit type, nursing staff and workload, and patient characteristics) in 2 healthcare setting in Sweden [one general (350 beds) and one university (1100 beds) hospital].

The university hospital developed a PUP plan. The general hospital did not have this in place, however they had a higher percentage of nurses carrying out direct patient care (62.8% vs 52.8) and nurses in the general hospital had more experience.

To ensure accurate data could be achieved a pilot test was carried out. Data collectors were highly educated and specifically trained with regards to PU and PUP’s, this increases the reliability of the data observed. The administrative system used to collect information is regards as valid and a reliable source (Sving, et al., 2014). September was purposely selected as staffing and hospital activities were more likely to be normal, this is a strength of the study as a cross-sectional design provides only a glimpse of the prevalence of the issue surrounding PU. However, there are some limitations to this study like small sample size, as only two hospitals are used in this study, results cannot be generalised. Due to how complex PUP is in hospitals, it is likely that other factors may have facilitated or hindered the

Leaders in HC settings should assume responsibility to carry out evidence based care plans for PUP. The evidence is very relevant to the clinical question. Unlike the other two studies, this study portrays some patients with PU’s, this study looks at strategy’s to prevent PU’s from getting worse. Similarly, in all three studies, education is key to PUP. All studies look at how to prevent the onset of PU’s.

Honestly, when I began research for this topic, I thought strategy’s like the DV’s mentioned in this study would be most evident in research. However, there is minimal best evidence based interventions for patients who already suffer with PU’s, and in the case where interventions were proven to be beneficial, small sample size results in findings that cannot be generalised and PU’s still remaining to be a problem in HC (Wann-Hansson, et al., 2008; Chaboyer, et al., 2016; Hoviattalab, et al., 2014; Kallman & Suserud,