Reflective practice account
Based on Gibbs reflective cycle
Name Kielley Ann Myers Date 27th July 2012 When asked to do a self reflecting account on identifying a new skill achieved during the module, I could have chosen such accomplishments as VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) therapy, Maggot therapy or Nutrition and Dietetics. But I wanted to go back to basics and review and fully expand a skill that I knew of, which is Pressure Ulcers (also called pressure sores or bed sores). A stated by the NHS Choices website “It is estimated that in any given year fewer than half a million people in the UK will develop at least one pressure ulcer. About 1 in 20 people who are admitted to hospital with acute sudden illness will develop a pressure ulcer; this is usually people with underlying health conditions.” I have been a H.C.A (Health Care Assistant) for over 17 years to now, and I have always been aware of pressure ulcers, and how to try to avoid them but never really knew the complete details of What, How or When of them. I have been on many different courses for H.C.A’s through the years, but they have all really skimmed over the subject of pressure ulcers. I now work on a vascular ward of the hospital where many of the patients are bed or wheelchair bound due to lower limb amputations, caused by complication from diabetes mellitus to circulatory problems. So I thought that by widening my knowledge on pressure ulcers and skin viability, I can and will improve services to the patients I come into contact with. When trying to conduct my research for adequate literature I decided to contact the hospital Tissue Viability Nurses Specialist. When I explained to her why I was seeking her advice on research material and guidance she was glad to help, and give me a multitude of