PURPOSE
The aims of this study were to develop the unit specialist-led pressure ulcer nursing algorithm for hospital nurses, and to examine its clinical adequacy.
METHODS
The study used a methodological design. The algorithm was developed through the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model using the combination of systematic review, clinical staff interview, and expert panel interview. Thirty nurses in two hospital units applied the algorithm to 30 patients from September 7, 2017 to September 20, 2017.
RESULTS
The contents of the nursing algorithm included roles of the unit specialist, application of the algorithm, assessment, nursing interventions, and documentation. The algorithm had acceptable validity of Scale-level Content Validity Index (S-CVI) from .93 to .95. The Braden scale scores were significantly improved from 12.37±3.30 to 13.67±3.59 (t=20.55, p<.001) in the patients who used the algorithm. The hospital unit nurses rated the algorithm's clinical adequacy as acceptable, with a mean score ranging from 3.30±0.65 to 3.67±0.48. The most highly rated item was that “pressure ulcer has been detected and managed promptly”.
CONCLUSION
The unit specialist-led pressure ulcer nursing algorithm in general hospital units facilitated the prompt and accurate decision-making for hospital unit nurses. Using this algorithm, the hospital unit nurses will be able to provide relevant and prompt care for pressure ulcer prevention and management.

Citations

• Development and Testing of an Algorithm to Prevent Medical Device–Related Pressure Injuries
  Yeong-Mi Seong, Hyejin Lee, Ji Min Seo
  INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• A Review II for Standardization of Textbooks of Fundamentals of Nursing: Medication Administration, Infection Control, Pressure Injury
  Youngshin Song, Ji-Su Kim, Soohyun Park
  Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing.2020; 27(2): 198.     CrossRef