Prevalence, incidence, and prediction of pressure ulcers on a rehabilitation unit

Abstract

Objective: This retrospective chart review study was conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers, and the contribution of known risk factors toward the predicted occurrence of pressure ulcers in a long-term rehabilitation setting. Subjects and Setting: A continuous series of 170 adult men with a mean age of 69.2 years were studied during a 1-year period. Methods: Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively for risk factors and documentation of pressure ulcer development by 1 researcher on a data recording form. Results: The pressure ulcer prevalence was 12% and the incidence over the 1-year observation period 6%. Using the odds ratio test, significant risk factors in the sample were identified as hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio = 11:1), low diastolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 4.6:1), stool and urine incontinence (odds ratio = 1.5:1), and peripheral edema (odds ratio = 3.5:1). Conclusion: Specific characteristics in this sample of patients in a long-term rehabilitation center contributed to the increased risk for pressure ulcer development. Risk assessment based on knowledge of specific risk factors, prevention, and early intervention is crucial to lowering the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers in this setting.