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Oral Abstracts (Session 2 of 5)
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Moderator: John M. MacDonald, MD, FACS (Presentation 33.1) Pressure ulcer prevention through a caregiver education website Renee Cordrey, MSPT, MPH, CWS, White Memorial Medical Center, Los Angeles, Calif, and Mt St Mary’s College, Los Angeles, Calif Abstract: Prevention of pressure ulcers is a goal for wound care clinicians. Yet, opportunities for prophylactic education are rare. As an older person gradually declines in function, family members begin to become caregivers, figuring out what to do as they go along. It is not until after the pressure ulcer or other complications, such as pneumonia or a fracture, occur that the person enters the system and begins to receive caregiver training. Low-income and minority individuals are even less likely to receive preventive care. This presentation describes a website designed to provide caregiver training to the underserved population of East Los Angeles. This project addresses several areas of caregiving, including several issues relating to pressure ulcer prevention. In addition to positioning and pressure reduction, a visitor to the site can learn about nutrition and swallowing, range of motion and contractures, managing medications, and speaking to the physician. Wound care professionals should participate in primary prevention of pressure ulcers. A website may be a means to target a broad population before the problems occur. This presentation will describe this multicultural website and provide suggestions and tips for others wishing to create their own educational websites. |
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