ABSTRACT
This ethnographic study describes the cultural knowledge individuals use to organize their behaviors at one assisted living facility, Wheat Valley. Data were comprised of transcribed interviews with residents, family members, and staff; field notes of observations and informal interviews; and abstracted information from facility documents. The Wheat Valley culture is described as having six cultural categories, a single theme, a threat to the culture, and a conceptualization of resident decision-making. The cultural description provides the basis for a discussion of practice implications.
Subject(s)
Assisted Living Facilities/organization & administration , Attitude to Health , Ceremonial Behavior , Guidelines as Topic , Social Values , Activities of Daily Living , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Anthropology, Cultural , Attitude of Health Personnel , Decision Making, Organizational , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Midwestern United States , Nurse's Role , Nursing Methodology Research , Organizational Culture , Organizational Objectives , Organizational Policy , Social Environment , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Wound, ostomy, and continence nurses and healthcare providers are encountering more than ever before patients who are morbidly obese. Patients who are immobile and morbidly obese are at increased risk for complications such as skin breakdown. Strategies to predict and prevent skin and wound complications should include properly sized bariatric beds. Bariatric beds greatly reduce the risk of pressure ulcers through pressure reduction. They also promote patient independence, improve clinical outcomes, decrease staff workload, and help control unnecessary healthcare costs. The purpose of this article is to increase wound, ostomy, and continence nurses' awareness about the benefits of bariatric beds and some important issues that surround their use.
