Development of an evidence-based pressure ulcer program at the National Naval Medical Center: nurses' role in risk factor assessment, prevention, and intervention among young service members returning from OIF/OEF

Abstract

Since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the incidence of pressure ulcers from various causes has increased. This article discusses the knowledge nurses need to care for casualties returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) who may be at risk for developing pressure ulcers. This article also describes the development of an evidence-based pressure ulcer awareness program for young adults aged 18 to 35 years at a military treatment facility that receives casualties from OIF/OEF. This evidence-based program enables nurses to rapidly assess casualties for risk factors and initiate nursing interventions to mitigate the development of pressure ulcers. Improving the detection of pressure ulcers among the young OIF and OEF casualties may, in turn, reduce mortality and morbidity among these service members.