Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.

Diagnosis and Management Pressure Ulcer

The questions we would like answered by this evidence review are the following:

1. How can we identify patients at risk for pressure ulcers in the hospital or long-term care setting and what is the evidence for validity and reliability of various instruments for estimating these risks?
2. How effective are the various pressure ulcer prevention strategies? (for example specialized mattresses, undergarments, creams, nursing routines)
3. What are the benefits and harms of pressure ulcer treatment regimen including the evidence for treatment teams and protocols? (for example mechanical debridement, chemical debridement, semipermeable dressings, topical applications [like zinc oxide, PGF sprays], semipermeable dressings, hyperbaric oxygen, surgical flaps)

Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.)

yes

If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:

What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.)

Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.)

Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.)

Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.

Appropriateness for EHC Program

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

• Diabetes mellitus
• Functional limitations and disability

AHRQ Priority Populations

• Elderly
• Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Federal Health Care Program

None

Importance

Describe why this topic is important.

What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.)

Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.)

If yes, please explain:

Potential Impact

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?

The ACP, through the Clinical Efficacy Assessment Technical Advisory Committee (CEATAC), plans to use this evidence report to develop a clinical practice guideline.

Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.

Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.

Nominator Information

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)

The ACP, through the Clinical Efficacy Assessment Technical Advisory Committee (CEATAC), plans to use this evidence report to develop a clinical practice guideline.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?

Organization

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program

Liaison Lore Joplin