Evaluation of the dissemination and implementation of a nutritional guideline for pressure ulcer care

Meijers, J.M.M., Schols, J.M.G.A., Jackson, P.A., Langer, G., Clark, M. and Halfens, R.J.G. (2007) Evaluation of the dissemination and implementation of a nutritional guideline for pressure ulcer care. Journal of Wound Care, 16 (5), 201-205.

Abstract

Objective: In 2004 the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel nutritional working group developed a nutritional guideline for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. This study investigated the degree to which the guideline was disseminated and implemented in clinical practice. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in health-care organisations in the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. A printed, standardised questionnaire which followed Rogers’ model of the innovation-decision process was developed, translated and distributed to 1087 health-care organisations. Results: The response rate was 33% (n=363). Sixty-one per cent of respondents knew of the guideline. Twenty-five per cent had applied it to their clinical practice and used it for nutritional screening. The main barrier to the provision of nutritional support appeared to be lack of knowledge and skills. Conclusion: One year after its dissemination, more than half of respondents knew of the guideline, with one in four applying it to their practice. The guideline was better disseminated and implemented in the Netherlands and UK than in Germany, where only 4% of participants had used it. Declaration of interest: Numico Netherlands gave EPUAP an unrestricted educational grant.

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