title: Analysis of qualitative interviews about the impact of information technology on pressure ulcer prevention programs: implications for the wound, ostomy and continence nurse.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare pressure ulcer prevention programs in 2 long-term care (LTC) facilities with diverse Information Technology Sophistication (ITS), one with high sophistication and one with low sophistication, and to identify implications for the WOC nurse.
  
  
  METHODS
  Secondary analysis of narrative data obtained from a mixed-methods study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study setting was 2 LTC facilities in the Midwestern United States. The sample comprised 39 staff from 2 facilities, including 26 from a high-ITS facility and 13 from the low-ITS facility. Respondents included certified nurse assistants, certified medical technicians, restorative medical technicians, social workers, RNs, licensed practical nurses, information technology staff, administrators, and directors.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a secondary analysis of interviews regarding communication and education strategies in 2 LTC agencies. This analysis focused on focus group interviews, which included both direct and nondirect care providers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight themes (codes) were identified in the analysis. Three themes are presented individually with exemplars of communication and education strategies. The analysis revealed specific differences between the high-ITS and low-ITS facilities in regard to education and communication involving pressure ulcer prevention. These differences have direct implications for WOC nurses consulting in the LTC setting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings from this study suggest that effective strategies for staff education and communication regarding PU prevention differ based on the level of ITS within a given facility. Specific strategies for education and communication are suggested for agencies with high ITS and agencies with low ITS.
authors.affiliation: Marilyn Murphy Shepherd, MSN, RN, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri. Deidre D. Wipke-Tevis, PhD, RN, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri. Gregory L. Alexander, PhD, MHA, RN, FAAN, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri.
authors.forename: Marilyn Murphy
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Shepherd
authors.forename: Deidre D
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Wipke-Tevis
authors.forename: Gregory L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Alexander
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008490:Medical Informatics; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009740:Nursing Staff; D010030:Ostomy; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017592:Skin Care