Abstract
Objective:
To evaluate the actions of nursing professionals before and after using a protocol for preventing pressure injuries in an intensive care unit.
Methods:
An observational, prospective, before and after comparative study, using a quantitative approach, was carried out in a teaching hospital in Paraíba. Nursing actions were observed during 38 bed baths before the protocol and 44 afterwards.
Results:
After using the protocol, a greater frequency of actions was noted: assessment of risk for pressure injuries on days following admission (p < 0.001), observation of bony prominences (p < 0.001) and application of moisturizer in all body regions (p < 0.001), lifting the patient from the bed during repositioning (p < 0.001), protection of knee bone prominences (p = 0.015), and elevation of the calcaneus (p < 0.005).
Conclusion:
The higher frequency of preventive actions after using the protocol demonstrates the importance of this tool in the adoption of evidence-based recommendations by professionals.
Keywords:
Pressure Ulcers; Nursing Care; Intensive Care Units; Patient Safety