Pressure Ulcers Grade Research Articles

Evaluation of Nurses’ attitudes, behaviors, and barriers toward pressure ulcer prevention in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units

IntroductionPressure ulcers are a significant concern in pediatric intensive care units, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.8% to 27%. They pose serious physical and psychological challenges, particularly in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICU and PICU). This study explores nursing strategies, attitudes, and barriers toward pressure ulcer prevention in NICU and PICU settings.MethodsUsing a descriptive study design, data were collected from 80 nurses working in NICU and PICU through validated questionnaires, including a demographic profile and a pressure ulcer survey. Descriptive statistics were employed to calculate mean scores and percentages, while inferential statistics assessed associations between variables.ResultsThe study revealed specific nursing strategies, along with significant barriers and attitudes toward pressure ulcer prevention in NICU and PICU. The total attitude mean score was 3.57, with the highest positive response (mean = 4.29) for “most pressure sores can be avoided”, and the highest negative response (mean = 3.86) for “pressure sore prevention is a low priority for me”. Among participants, 72.5% conducted risk assessments on all patients, 60% had written prevention care plans, and 76.3% implemented preventive strategies. Barriers such as staff shortages and time constraints were reported by 76.2% of nurses. Multivariate analysis indicated that nurses with more than 10 years of qualification (OR = 3.67) and permanent staff with over 10 years of employment (OR = 4.31) were significantly more likely to engage in preventive practices. The use of a pressure ulcer grading tool (OR = 2.49, P < 0.05) and participation in formal training (OR = 3.14, P < 0.05) were also positively associated with preventive practices.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of structured assessment tools, ongoing education, and the need to foster positive attitudes among nurses to effectively reduce pressure ulcer prevalence and enhance patient outcomes in NICU and PICU settings.

Effect of gallium arsenide laser versus pulsed electromagnetic field on healing of pressure ulcers patients

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of Gallium Arsenide laser versus pulsed electromagnetic field on healing of pressure ulcers. Methods of evaluation: - (Measurement of the ulcer surface area (USA), ulcer volume measurement (UVM) and the colony count (CC). Methods: 40 diabetic patients with pressure ulcers grade II, their ages ranged from 40 – 60 years, were divided randomly into two equal groups in number. Group (A) Gallium arsenide (Ga-As) laser group: This group was consisted of 20 patients who received the Gallium arsenide (Ga-As) laser therapy 3 times per week for 2 months in addition to the routine conventional treatment (dressing – manage bacterial contamination – relieve pressure, friction, and shear – remove necrotic debris – correct nutritional deficits). Group (B) PEMFT group: 20 patients who received the Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) 3 times per week for 2 months in addition to the routine conventional treatment (dressing – manage bacterial contamination – relieve pressure, friction, and shear – remove necrotic debris – correct nutritional deficits). Results: Results showed that both the Ga-As laser and the PEMFT, were significantly effective in improving healing of pressure ulcers as manifested by the highly decreased USA, UVM and CC in both groups.

Inclusion of the prepared patient relatives in the process of early rehabilitation of onco-surgical patients in the department of anesthesiology and intensive care

Aim. To study the influence of the trained environment of geriatric onco-surgical patients on the quality of the interventions in the complex of early postoperative rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
 Methods. The 96 patients aged 73.37.1 years operated on in the emergency onco-surgery clinic of the Tatarstan Cancer Center of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan between 2016 and 2020. Patients, similar in age and condition (American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status category IIIE) were divided into three equal groups: the first group generally accepted measures for early rehabilitation were carried out by medical staff; the second group the prepared relatives of the patient was additionally involved in rehabilitation; the control group early rehabilitation was not carried out. The quality of nutritional support and measures to prevent pressure ulcers, cognitive function were assessed. Statistical processing was performed by using Microsoft Excel 2007 and IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 software. The statistical significance of data was determined by using the chi-square test at p 0.05.
 Results. The involvement of previously trained relatives made it possible to reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers grade IV to 0%. There was a significant difference in the volume of assimilated enteral oral feeding (180.620.8; 240.620.8; 80.510.2; p 0.05) and the serum albumin level by 11 days after surgery (26.81.5; 28.91.2; 24.21.1 g/L, respectively; p 0.05). Assimilation of enteral oral feeding improved 3 times compared with the control group and 1.5 times compared with the first group (p 0.05). Indicators of cognitive status by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) on the 6th day were 23.31.1; 25.31.1; 21.21.2 (p 0.05), respectively.
 Conclusion. A rationally organized preparation of the patient's environment for the implementation of care, participation in rehabilitation measures and the prevention of complications can improve outcomes of medical intervention and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Evaluation of clinical features and the factors related to nutrition in home care patients with pressure ulcer

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with pressure ulcers who received home health care in Kutahya city and to investigate the relationship between the factors related to nutrition and pressure ulcer grades. Methods: This study is designed as a retrospective and cross-sectional. The files of 500 patients who were registered at home health services unit of Kutahya Health Sciences University Training and Research Hospital between December 2016 and May 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, sixty-three patients with pressure ulcers were included in the study. Results: In this study, 26 (41.3%) were male and 37 (58.7%) were female. The mean age of the patients with pressure ulcers was 74.41 ± 12.30 (years). 36 patients (57.1%) had cerebrovascular disease, 5 patients (7.9%) had dementia, 9 patients (14.3%) had malignancy, 8 patients (12.7%) had osteoarthritis, 4 patients 6.3%) had peripheral vascular disease, and 1 patient (1.6%) had previous traffic accident. The majority (62.1%) were neurological disease-sequenced and nursing-care group. When all the patients were examined, the region with the most pressure was the sacrum (35.3%). Hemoglobin level was found to be related to pressure ulcer grade (One-way ANOVA, p = 0.019). There was no significant relationship between other nutrition-related parameters and pressure ulcer stage. Conclusion: Patients with cerebrovascular disease constitute a significant proportion of patients receiving home care services. Low hemoglobin increases the severity of the pressure ulcer. Therefore, determining risk factors that contribute to pressure ulcer formation and efforts to prevent them should be the primary target of the home health care unit.

Deep tissue injury: a narrative review on the aetiology of a controversial wound.

Deep tissue injuries (DTIs) were added to pressure ulcer grading systems in 2009. Since then, they have been associated with the same aetiological processes as other forms of pressure injury (PI). This is despite notable clinical differences in their presentation along with variations in natural history that suggest they are the consequence of processes distinct from those that cause other PIs. Understanding the aetiology of DTIs is essential to guide prevention and treatment in addition to ensuring healthcare governance processes deeply tied to pressure injury are effective and efficient. Current understanding of the aetiology of DTI has significant gaps, with several key challenges impeding progress in this area of PI research, including inconsistent reporting by healthcare services and the limitations of animal and computer models in addition to the ethical barriers to conducting studies on human subjects. Synthesis of early studies with studies undertaken before 2009 is also limited by the variety in definitions of DTI used before that published by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance in 2009. To date, few prospective clinical studies have been conducted. This article presents a narrative review on the clinical and animal study evidence indicating contemporary understanding of DTI.

Healing hand ulcers caused by focal spasticity

Spasticity is a common manifestation of many upper motor neuron lesions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis. In some cases, spastic fingers in the hand press hard into the palm, resulting in skin breakdown and atypical pressure ulcerations. We treated 10 such patients living in the nursing homes with long-standing treatment-resistant hand ulcers in our spasticity clinic first, with Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) injection into the spastic muscles followed by dressing, splinting, and hand therapy. These ulcers failed to respond to standard treatment, causing significant pain, offensive smell, increased carer burden, and difficulty in maintaining hygiene as hands could barely be opened for dressing and therapy. We noted complete healing of ulcers with significant improvement in the following outcome measures-Modified Ashworth Scale for spasticity, Visual Analog Scale for pain, pressure ulcer grading for the ulcers, Fingertip to Palm distance for hand opening, Carer Burden Scale, and in the Goal Attainment Scale pre, 4 weeks, and 3 months postinjection with P values of .003, .003, .004, .005, .004, and .004, respectively. Reducing spasticity with BoNTA should be the first step in treating hand ulcerations caused by focal spasticity, followed by dressing, splinting, and hand therapy.

Effect of Olive Oil in Preventing the Development of Pressure Ulcer Grade One in Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Background:Detecting pressure ulcer is an important nursing diagnostic care required for the patients hospitalized in ICU. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of olive oil in preventing the development of pressure ulcer grade one in ICU patients.Methods:In this clinical trial, 72 patients eligible for hospitalization in hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were divided randomly into two groups; control and intervention (receiving olive oil). The standard program of skincare was implemented on both the groups; in addition, olive oil was applied topically in the intervention group. The data was collected on the first day through demographic information and Braden pressure ulcer risk assessment scale. An infrared thermometer was used to record the local temperature of the ulcers daily. Assessments were made based on pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH) tool and the pressure ulcer area was examined per square cm on the first, fourth, and seventh day. The data collected was analyzed by Fisher's exact test, independent sample t-test and repeated measure analysis using SPSS (version 22).Results:On the fourth and seventh day, the PUSH score was lower in the olive oil group (7.50 ± 2.823 and 5.44 ± 3.806) than in the control group (9.50 ± 1.732 and 8.83 ± 2.864) (P-value <0.001). Also, a significant improvement of ulcer was observed in the olive oil group (mean difference = 3.56; P value <0.001) but no change was observed in the control group (mean difference = 0.75; P value = 0.052).Conclusions:Based on the effect of olive oil in the reduction of ulcer area and the average PUSH score obtained in ICU patients, the application of olive oil is recommended for healing grade one pressure ulcers.

Spasticity and dementia increase the risk of pressure ulcers.

The aim of this study was to identify and characterise the association between the prevalence of pressure ulcers, spasticity levels, and advanced dementia in disable elderly patients. Data were obtained from the patient medical files. Patients were hospitalised in the geriatric skilled nursing department. A total of 40 frail elderly patients, bedbound and suffering from advanced chronic diseases, advanced dementia, and high-grade pressure ulcers, were examined. Pressure ulcer grades and spasticity in advanced dementia versus non-dementia patients were evaluated. Logistic regression indicated that only advanced dementia and spasticity were significantly associated with the development of pressure ulcers versus those without dementia or without spasticity. Patients with advanced dementia displayed a significantly higher prevalence of severe spasticity. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, spasticity was significantly associated with pressure ulcers. The strong association of spasticity with the onset of pressure ulcers in advanced dementia should encourage clinicians to implement preventative measures to delay the onset of pressure ulcers.

Comparing the Effect of Henna Oil and Olive Oil on Pressure Ulcer Grade One in Intensive Care Units Patients.

Background:One of the most common problems in the intensive care unit (ICU) is the incidence of pressure ulcer or bedsore. This research was conducted with the aim to compare the effect of henna and olive on pressure ulcer grade one in ICU patients hospitalized in the selected hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Science in 2016.Materials and Methods:This study conducted on 108 ICU patients with pressure ulcer. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. The two intervention groups were treated with olive oil and henna oil, respectively, and the third group was the control group. Data were collected using a demographic information questionnaire, Braden pressure ulcer risk assessment scale, and a table for daily record of the skin temperature before and within 1 week of the study. Data were analyzed in SPSS 22 using independent t-test, repeated-measures ANOVA, and Fisher's exact test.Results:The results showed a significant difference between the two henna and olive groups in the mean score of pressure ulcer measured through the pressure ulcer scale for healing tool (P < 0.05). The mean area of the ulcer on days 4 and 7 in the henna oil group was lower than that in the olive oil and control groups (P < 0.001).Conclusion:The results of this study showed that both henna and olive oils were effective in healing the pressure ulcer. However, henna oil showed better results in reducing the area of pressure ulcers over time.

The Effect of Henna (Lawsonia Inermis) on Preventing the Development of Pressure Ulcer Grade One in Intensive Care Unit Patients.

Background:Detecting pressure ulcer is an important nursing diagnostic and care requirement in patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of Lawsonia plant on pressure ulcer grade one in ICU patients.Methods:In this clinical trial, 72 patients eligible for hospitalization in hospitals of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were divided randomly into two control and intervention groups. The standard program of skin care was implemented on both groups; in addition, a mixture of Lawsonia (henna) and distilled water was applied topically in the intervention group. The classification form of the International Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel was used to identify grade one ulcers. Data were collected on the 1st day through demographic information questionnaire and Braden pressure ulcer risk assessment scale. An infrared thermometer was used to record local temperature of the ulcers on a daily basis. Assessments were made based on Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH), and the pressure ulcer area was examined per square centimeter on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16.Results:The average change in the ulcer area per square centimeter in the control group increased by 29.9 ± 37.93 whereas it decreased by 3.54 ± 33.91 in the intervention group. The mean PUSH score decreased in the intervention group (5.36 ± 3.12) while it increased in the control group (1.91 ± 1.53). The average changes of PUSH score before and after the intervention showed a significant difference in both groups.Conclusions:With regard to the effect of henna on the reduction of ulcer area and the average PUSH score in ICU patients, the application of henna is recommended for healing grade one pressure ulcers.

Mortality and Length of Hospital Stay in Elderly with Hospital –Acquired Pressure Ulcer in Alborz Hospital of Karaj (2012)

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are serious health problems, common but preventable and defined as care quality indicator for health care provider services. Pressure ulcers had negative consequences for patients and healthcare systems. The aim of this study was to determine mortality and length of hospital stay in elderly people with hospital acquired pressure ulcers in Alborz Hospital of Karaj 2012. Method: 132 records belong to elderly people with hospital acquired pressure ulcers of Alborz Hospital in Karaj 1391, through convenience sampling were studied retrospectively. Include criteria was age >65 years, minimum 2-day stay in hospital and hospital acquired pressure ulcers. Data were analysis by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA and chi-square tests. Results: The findings indicated that 15.2 of elderly patients with hospital acquired pressure ulcers was died. Mortality significantly was associated with hospitalized in intensive wards (p<0.001) grade of pressure ulcers (p<0.001) and neurological problems (p=0.045). Mean length of hospital stay was 6.8 p 7 days with a range from 2 to 60 days. Mean length of hospital stay significantly was higher in elder people hospitalized in intensive wards (p<0.001), patients who died (p<0.001) and pressure ulcer grade III (p=0.010) Discussion: Focus on strategies for the prevention of ulcers, particularly in older adults hospitalized in intensive wards, neurological problems and prevent progression of ulcers can help to reduce length of hospital stay and mortality in these patients.

Outcome analyses of a multimodal treatment approach for deep pressure ulcers in spinal cord injuries: a retrospective cohort study.

Retrospective observational cohort study. To describe outcomes, risk factors for complications, and relapse rates associated with the multimodal treatment approach for deep pressure ulcers (PUs) grade IV for the ischium, trochanter major, and sacral regions of patients with traumatic and non-traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). The settings comprised two spinal cord units within a maximum care hospital. The treatment of all patients followed the modified interdisciplinary "Basler treatment concept". We included all individuals with SCI with a first occurrence of PU grade IV in the buttocks area between August 2008 and December 2012 inclusive, with a maximum follow-up of 3 years. Descriptive, univariate, and bivariate analyses were undertaken, as were group comparisons. In 47 patients aged 18-87 years (mean age: 51 years) a total of 63 fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps were performed. Wound healing was complete after a mean of 34 days (SD = 21). Postoperative mobilisation in a wheelchair was performed after a mean of 46 days (SD = 24). Delayed healing was reported in 18 patients (38%), and revision surgery was necessary in five patients (11%). ASIA impairment scale (AIS) A (p = .001), and male gender (p = .001) were identified as risk factors for delayed wound healing and prolonged inpatient stay. Treatment-associated pneumonia occurred in four cases (11% of all patients, 25% of patients with tetraplegia). Patients were discharged when the time spent sitting in a wheelchair was 2 × 2 h per day; this occurred after a mean of 100 days (SD = 36). PU recurrence was observed in six cases (18%). Our multimodal treatment concept was found to have complication rates comparable to those in the literature; additionally, this approach might be associated with lower recurrence rates with respect to the literature. To reduce high rates of pneumonia occurrence among patients with tetraplegia, preventive measures need to be established. Further evidence of the efficiency of this complex treatment approach for PU in individuals with SCI is needed.

Application effect of link management in prevention of medical device related pressure ulcers in NICU

Objective To explore the link management of medical device related pressure ulcers in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and reduce the incidence of NICU medical device related pressure ulcers through various link management. Methods From June 2012 to May 2014, 726 cases of patients in our department were selected as the control group and received commonly used preventive measures and conventional pressure ulcer grading nursing care. From June 2014 to May 2016, another 869 patients in our department was selected as the observation group, and they received link intervention based on the routine nursing method which includes the establishment of pressure ulcer steering group, developing nursing measures of common medical device related pressure ulcers, establishing management principles of prevention and management of medical devices related pressure ulcers and strengthening personnel training and development of all levels of responsibility. The incidence rate of NICU medical device related pressure ulcers was observed. Results There were 28 cases of medical device related pressure ulcers in the control group, and the incidence rate was 3.9% (28/726); while there were 7 cases of medical instrument pressure ulcers in the observation group, and the incidence rate was 0.8% (7/869). The severity of pressure ulcer in the control group was significantly higher than that in the observation group; the cure rate of the wound was significantly lower than that of the observation group (U=-2.001, P<0.05). The score of nursing staff on the knowledge of medical device related pressure ulcers was (26.2±1.7) after training, which was higher than that before training (17.6±0.8) (t=-6.04, P<0.01). Conclusions Through the link management of medical device related pressure ulcers, incidence rate of pressure ulcers is reduced; the quality of nursing is improved; the use of medical equipment is standardized; and the new concept of medical device related pressure ulcers is updated. Key words: Pressure ulcers; Medical instrument; Risk management; Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Le lambeau de faisceau inférieur de muscle gluteus maximus dans la couverture des escarres ischiatiques : étude d’une série de 61 cas

The coverage of ischiatic pressure ulcers is characterized by a significant recurrence rate (8-64% depending on the series). It therefore seems necessary to introduce the concept of saving in the use of muscle flaps available to avoid being in a situation of therapeutic impasse. The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap allows a tailored coverage to the ischiatic pressure ulcers grade IV with skin defect less than 8cm after surgical debridement. It is associated with an advancement-rotation skin flap removed above the sub-gluteal fold. The surgical treatment is performed in a single-stage (care+coverage), undercovered by probabilistic antibiotic per- and postoperative then secondarily adapted. After excision of the cavity, a gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap was realized. The inferior gluteal artery ensures the muscular flap vascularization. Afterwards, patients follow a rehabilitation program in a specialized center. Sixty-one flaps were performed in 55 patients between September 2000 and January 2015. Fifty-nine (97%) were conducted in first-line and 2 (3%) for covering recurrent pressure ulcers. After a mean duration of 4 years and 8 months follow-up, 13 pressure ulcers (21.3%) relapsed. If reoperation, a simple remobilization of the muscle flap was achieved in 54% of cases, a myocutaneous flap of biceps femoris in 23% and surgical abstention in a patient with non-compliant perioperative care. The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap, simple to implement, provides coverage of ischial pressure sores while sparing muscle flaps usually used for this indication. The recurrence rate associated with the gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap is comparable to biceps femoris and gluteus maximus muscle flaps (totally harvested). It does not sacrifice function gluteus maximus muscle and can be performed in the valid patient. This flap keeps the Superior split-muscle, mobilized in case of sacral pressure ulcer. The gluteus maximus inferior split-muscle flap is the first intention flap indicated for the cover of cover of ischiatic pressure ulcers of less than 8cm in diameter.

Pressure ulcer grading and appropriate equipment selection.

This article explores the process and rationale for designing a poster to support community nurses in selecting appropriate pressure-relieving equipment based on accurate risk assessment and correct pressure ulcer grading. The project was prompted by the requirement to update community nurses' knowledge and ensure pressure-relieving equipment selection was evidence-based and not reliant on personal preference. The 2012 NHS Midlands and East 'Stop the pressure' campaign provided community nurses with a framework for pressure ulcer prevention and management. The attention to support surfaces highlighted the need for appropriate equipment. However the tissue viability team found that the introduction of this pathway alone did not help with the practical issues of appropriate equipment selection. The poster was designed with consideration as to how adults learn, and by looking to the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle. This provided the framework for enabling new ideas and changes to practice to be tested on a small scale before full implementation.

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers and risk of hospital mortality in intensive care patients on mechanical ventilation.

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common and serious complication in critically ill patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the development of a PU and hospital mortality in patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) in an intensive care unit (ICU). A prospective cohort study was performed over two years in patients requiring MV for ≥ 24 hours in a medical-surgical ICU. Primary outcome measure was hospital mortality and main independent variable was the development of a PU grade ≥ II. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a Cox model with time-dependent covariates. Out of 563 patients in the study, 110 (19.5%) developed a PU. Overall hospital mortality was 48.7%. In the adjusted multivariate model, PU onset was a significant independent predictor of mortality (adjusted HR, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 1.003-1.65; P = 0.047). The model also included the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, total Sequential Organ Failure Assessment on day 3, hepatic cirrhosis and medical admission. Within the limitations of a single-centre approach, PU development appears to be associated with an increase in mortality among patients requiring MV for 24 hours or longer.

Nurses’ pressure ulcer related judgements and decisions in clinical practice: A systematic review

BackgroundPressure ulcers are considered to be an adverse outcome of care that should never occur in clinical practice. The formation of a pressure ulcer is also perceived to be an indicator of poor quality nursing care. Therefore, pressure ulcer prevention is a priority for nurses, healthcare professionals and healthcare organisations throughout the world. A key factor in pressure ulcer prevention and management is individual nurse decision making. ObjectivesTo synthesise the literature on the judgement and decision making of nurses in relation to the assessment, prevention, grading and management of pressure ulcers in all care settings (hospital and community). DesignA systematic search of published literature relating to judgement and decision making in nurses, with a focus on the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. MethodsA search of electronic databases from 1992 to present, together with hand searching of the reference lists of retrieved publications, to identify published papers that reported results of studies evaluating the decision making of nurses in relation to the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. Abstracts were independently reviewed by two authors and full text of potentially relevant articles retrieved. Each paper included in this systematic review was evaluated using recognised appraisal criteria relevant to the specific study design. Included papers provided empirical data on key aspects of nurses’ pressure ulcer related judgements and decision making. Data were synthesised into themes using narrative analysis. ResultsSixteen studies and one systematic review were included in the review, focusing on pressure ulcer risk assessment, pressure ulcer prevention, grading of pressure ulcers and treatment decisions. The results indicated that assessment tools were not routinely used to identify pressure ulcer risk, and that nurses rely on their own knowledge and experience rather than research evidence to decide what skin care to deliver. ConclusionsEmphasising pressure ulcer risk assessment and pressure ulcer grading in clinical practice is unlikely to deliver improved outcomes. Further research into nurses’ pressure ulcer related judgements and decision making is needed and clinicians must focus on the consistent delivery of high quality care to prevent and mange pressure ulcers to all patients in clinical practice.

The prevalence of pressure ulcers in community settings: An observational study

BackgroundChanges in healthcare and ageing populations have led to an increasing emphasis on the provision of healthcare in the community. Quality initiatives in healthcare have led to a focus upon pressure ulcer rates. However, published data on pressure ulcer prevalence in a community setting is currently very limited. ObjectiveThe objective of this cross-sectional observational study was to determine the prevalence of patients with pressure ulcers in a community setting in the United Kingdom. DesignA cross-sectional observational study. SettingTwo community settings in the North of England. ParticipantsPatients in the community who were aged 18 years or older at the time of the pressure ulcer prevalence audit were included. There were no exclusion criteria and consent was not a requirement. MethodsEach site used a different method to collect the data as per their usual method of prevalence data collection. Site 1 assessed all patients on the community nursing caseload: patients in residential homes, rehabilitation units, specialist palliative care units and all nursing homes in the locality, whether they were known to have a pressure ulcer or not. Site 2 assessed only those on the community nursing caseload who were known to have a pressure ulcer. Site 1 collected data between 8th February and 2nd April 2010 and site 2 between 12th April and 7th May 2010. ResultsIn site 1, 185 patients were assessed as having a pressure ulcer Grade ≥1, a prevalence rate of 0.77 per 1000 adults. In Site 2 102 patients were assessed as having a Grade ≥1 pressure ulcer, a prevalence rate of 0.40 per 1000 adults. Removing patients in nursing homes from the calculation gives a prevalence of 0.38 per 1000 adults for site 1 and 0.39 per 1000 adults for site 2. ConclusionsThis study provides prevalence data in a community setting which can be used to assess resource allocation and staff training. This study has highlighted that differences in methodology can affect prevalence results, and this should be taken into account in future research.

Comparison of alternating pressure mattresses and overlays for prevention of pressure ulcers in ventilated intensive care patients: a quasi‐experimental study

To compare the effectiveness of alternating pressure air mattresses vs. overlays to prevent pressure ulcers in mechanically ventilated patients in intensive care units. Pressure ulcers prevention is an important issue in the nursing of critically ill patients. It is not clear whether alternating pressure air mattresses are more effective than overlays to prevent pressure ulcers. Prospective quasi-experimental study. A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted among patients in the medical-surgery intensive care unit of a university hospital on mechanical ventilation ≥24hours during two time periods (2001 and 2006). Overlays were used in 2001 and mattresses in 2006. Primary outcome was the incidence of pressure ulcers grade ≥II (according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel) during intensive care unit stay. The study included 221 patients (116 in 2001 and 105 in 2006). Baseline characteristics were similar between groups except for a higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III score, total and first-day respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score on day 1 in overlay group. There was significantly lower incidence density in the mattress vs. overlay group (12·41 cases/1000days vs. 18·67 cases/1000days of stay). The multivariate analyses showed the use of the mattress to be a protective factor against pressure ulcer onset. This quasi-experiment study that alternative pressure air mattresses were more effective than alternating pressure air overlays in preventing pressure ulcers in mechanically ventilated critical care patients.

VAC Therapy in Large Infected Sacral Pressure Ulcer Grade IV-Can Be an Alternative to Flap Reconstruction?

Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy is a new entrant in wound care after growth factors and alginate or hydrocolloid dressing, in the treatment of pressure ulcers. We have been using this technique for diabetic foot ulcers. A young nondiabetic man presented with a large sacral bed sore after high doses of ionotropes in an intensive care unit for treating severe hypotension. His wound was debrided, and instead of flap surgery in such infected wound, he was treated with VAC therapy. The complete wound healing was achieved in 6weeks and at half the cost of flap surgery. Moreover, the chances of flap failure and its related complications were eliminated.