Caring for Atypical Wounds in Patients With Severe Obesity: A Case Series.

Background: The prevalence of obesity has grown over the past several decades. It exerts a negative effect on multiple body systems, including the integumentary system, and it increases the risk for development of chronic diseases. Caring for hospitalized patients with severe obesity presents unique challenges, especially when wounds are present.

Risk Factors Associated With Pressure Ulcer Formation in Critically Ill Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: Cardiac surgery patients are among those most at risk for developing pressure ulcers (PUs), with a reported incidence as high as 29.5%. Although numerous studies documenting PU risk factors and prevention strategies exist, the availability of literature examining risk factors specific to the cardiac surgery population is limited.

Development of pressure ulcer program across a university health system.

Pressure ulcers were designated as a priority for quality care initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania Health System. The Penn Medicine Pressure Ulcer Collaborative was developed to address the complex issues of pressure ulcers. The Collaborative used a systematic approach to analyze, plan, and implement a health system-wide pressure ulcer program.

Promoting evidence-based practice and translational research.

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is an evolutionary step in the nursing model of excellence in professional practice at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. A healthcare culture focused on excellence and world-class patient care requires that nursing research and EBP are integrated into the professional practice model and nursing care delivery. To achieve this, it requires the development of staff expertise, time allocation for staff to participate in scholarly activities, resources that support EBP and research, and expert consultants in EBP and nursing translational research.