Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Research Articles

Consistent pressure ulcer prevention practice: The effect on PU prevalence and PU stages, and impact on PU prevention-A quasi-experimental intervention study.

This study evaluates the effect of nursing staff's renewed consistent pressure ulcer (PU) prevention practice on PU prevalence and the PU prevention implemented for residents. A quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted. The data were collected from 232 residents (n=115 in intervention and 117 in comparison group) in two public long-term older people care (LOPC) facilities in Finland using the Pressure Ulcer Patient instrument (PUP-Instrument). The facilities were chosen with convenience sampling, after which they were randomly allocated as either intervention or comparison facility. Based on international guidelines for PU prevention, the renewed, consistent PU prevention practice with six areas was developed and implemented using the operational model for evidence-based practices (OMEBP). After the intervention, a significant difference between the intervention and the comparison facility was seen in the prevalence of PUs and in the residents' highest stage of PUs in the sacrum, buttock and hip areas, and heels. Between the facilities, a significant difference was seen in the use of PU and nutrition risk assessment instruments and nutritional supplements, time used for repositioning in the daytime and at night-time, lifting belt use, and avoiding shearing or stretching residents' skin. The successful intervention improved skin integrity in LOPC facilities.

Determination of medical device-related pressure injury in COVID-19 patients: A prospective descriptive study

BackgroundCOVID-19 patients are at risk for the development of pressure injuries (PI). AimThe aim of this study was to determine the incidence of medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) in patients treated in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU)s. MethodsThe sample of the study consisted of 132 patients, and each with a maximum follow-up of 7 days. Data were collected in the COVID-19 ICU of a university hospital between January and May 2021 by using a Patient Characteristics Form, the MDRPI Follow-up Form, the Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale, and the Pressure Ulcer Staging Form. ResultsOf the patients, 59.1% (n = 78) developed at least one MDRPI. MRDPI was observed in those with a mean age of 65.45 ± 2.462 years who were invasively ventilated (51.3%), enterally fed (46.2%), placed in the prone position (78.2%), and had a Braden score ≤12 (50%). The most common medical devices that caused MDRPIs included endotracheal tube (ET) (31.2% n = 44), non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIVM) (23.4% n = 33), nasal high-flow (11.3% n = 16), nasogastric tube (10.6% n = 15), the ET connection (8.5% n = 12), respectively. The most common sites for pressure injuries were the nose (28.8% n = 34), mouth (25.8% n = 34), ear (12.9% n = 17), lip (9.1% n = 12), and cheek (8.3% n = 11). The most common gradings of MDRPIs were stage 2 (28.8% n = 38), stage 1 (19.7% n = 26), stage 3 (9.1% n = 12) mucous membrane injuries (12.9% n = 17) and suspected deep tissue injuries (9.1% n = 12), respectively. The time to PI was 3 days (25.7% n = 36). ConclusionsMDRPI was common among COVID-19 patients. It was found that the most common cause of pressure injury was ventilators, and PI developed in the mouth and lip sites most frequently in patients in prone position, stage 2 and suspected deep tissue damage was the most common grade. It is important to evaluate the skin in contact with medical devices in COVID-19 patients and to take the necessary interventions to prevent PI.

In vivo quantification of 3D displacement in sacral soft tissues under compression: Relevance of 2D US-based measurements for pressure ulcer risk assessment

Objective2D Ultrasound (US) imaging has been recently investigated as a more accessible alternative to 3D Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for the estimation of soft issue motion under external mechanical loading. In the context of pressure ulcer prevention, the aim of this pilot MRI study was to design an experiment to characterize the sacral soft tissue motion under a controlled mechanical loading. Such an experiment targeted the estimation of the discrepancy between tissue motion assessed using a 2D imaging modality (echography) versus tissue motion assessed using a (reference) 3D imaging modality (MRI). MethodsOne healthy male volunteer participated in the study. An MRI-compatible custom-made setup was designed and used to load the top region of the sacrum with a 3D-printed copy of the US transducer. Five MR images were collected, one in the unloaded and four in the different loaded configurations (400–1200 [g]). Then, a 3D displacement field for each loading configuration was extracted based on the results of digital volume correlation. Tissue motion was separated into the X, Y, Z directions of the MRI coordinate system and the ratios between the out-of-plane and in-plane components were assessed for each voxel of the selected region of interest. ResultsRatios between the out-of-plane and in-plane displacement components were higher than 0.6 for more than half of the voxels in the region of interest for all load cases and higher than 1 for at least quarter of the voxels when loads of 400–800 [g] were used. ConclusionThe out-of-ultrasound-plane tissue displacement was not negligible, therefore 2D US imaging should be used with caution for the evaluation of the tissue motion in the sacrum region. The 3D US modality should be further investigated for this application.

Evaluation of pressure ulcer risk and development in operating rooms

AimThis study aimed to determine the risk and development of pressure ulcers in operating rooms. Materials and methodsThe sample of the study included a total of 250 patients. In the study, the risk of pressure ulcers was assessed before the operation, and the development of pressure ulcers was evaluated within 24 h after the operation. ResultsThe risk of pressure ulcers was low before the operation, and Stage I pressure ulcer developed in 12.8% of the patients within 24 h after the operation. The patients had pressure ulcers mostly in their sacrum. Their mean 3S Intraoperative Risk Assessment Scale of Pressure Sore score was 15.68 ± 4.84, suggesting that they were not at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Having a chronic disease (OR = 8.986; 95% CI = 3.697–21.845), undergoing general anesthesia (OR = 3.084; 95% CI = 1.323–7.194), and orthopedic surgery (OR = 10.172; 95% CI = 3.121–33.155) were statistically significant risk factors for pressure ulcers (p < 0.001). Additionally, moderately edematous skin (OR = 3.838; 95% CI = 1.024–14.386), overweight/underweight (OR = 16.333; 95% CI = 3.779–70.602), intraoperative bleeding greater than 800 ml (OR = 13.000; 95% CI = 3.451–48.969), operation time longer than 5 h (OR = 21.667; 95% CI = 2.122–221.223), moderate intraoperative stress (OR = 4.917; 95% CI = 0.425–56.916), body temperature higher than 38.3 °C or lower than 36.1 °C (OR = 5.462; 95% CI = 2.161–13.805), and intraoperative prone position (OR = 3.354; 95% CI = 1.386–8.115) were statistically significant risk factors for the development of pressure ulcers. ConclusionAccording to our preoperative pressure ulcer risk assessment, it is very important to take additional protective measures both during and after surgical operations to prevent pressure ulcers.

Decision-Tree-Based Approach for Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment in Immobilized Patients.

Applications where data mining tools are used in the fields of medicine and nursing are becoming more and more frequent. Among them, decision trees have been applied to different health data, such as those associated with pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers represent a health problem with a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of immobilized patients and on the quality of life of affected people and their families. Nurses provide comprehensive care to immobilized patients. This fact results in an increased workload that can be a risk factor for the development of serious health problems. Healthcare work with evidence-based practice with an objective criterion for a nursing professional is an essential addition for the application of preventive measures. In this work, two ways for conducting a pressure ulcer risk assessment based on a decision tree approach are provided. The first way is based on the activity and mobility characteristics of the Braden scale, whilst the second way is based on the activity, mobility and skin moisture characteristics. The results provided in this study endow nursing professionals with a foundation in relation to the use of their experience and objective criteria for quick decision making regarding the risk of a patient to develop a pressure ulcer.

Pressure Ulcers Risk Assessment According to Nursing Criteria

Pressure ulcers (PU) represent a health problem with a significant impact on the morbidity and mortality of immobilized patients, and on the quality of life of affected people and their families. Risk assessment of pressure ulcers incidence must be carried out in a structured and comprehensive manner. The Braden Scale is the result of an analysis of risk factors that includes subscales that define exactly what should be interpreted in each one. The healthcare work with evidence-based practice with an objective criterion by the nursing professional is an essential addition for the application of preventive measures. Explanatory models based on the different subscales of Braden Scale purvey an estimation to level changes in the risk of suffering PU. A binary-response logistic regression model, supported by a study with an analytical, observational, longitudinal, and prospective design in the Granada-Metropolitan Primary Healthcare District (DSGM) in Andalusia (Southern Spain), with a sample of 16,215 immobilized status patients, using a Braden Scale log, is performed. A model that includes the mobility and activity scales achieves a correct classification rate of 86% (sensitivity (S) = 87.57%, specificity (SP) = 81.69%, positive predictive value (PPV) = 91.78%, and negative preventive value (NPV) = 73.78%), while if we add the skin moisture subscale to this model, the correct classification rate is 96% (S = 90.74%, SP = 88.83%, PPV = 95.00%, and NPV = 80.42%). The six subscales provide a model with a 99.5% correct classification rate (S = 99.93%, SP = 98.50%, PPV = 99.36%, and NPV = 99.83%). This analysis provides useful information to help predict this risk in this group of patients through objective nursing criteria.

Relationship between pressure ulcer risk and sarcopenia in patients with hip fractures.

Pressure ulcer (PU) is a frequent complication of hip fractures. PUs can develop at any time after a hip fracture but most appear within 2-4 days after surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between hip fractures due to sarcopenia and the risk of PUs in patients with hip fracture. Between March 2017 and March 2019, patients aged ≥65 years of age with hip fractures were included in this retrospective cohort study. PU risk assessment according to the Braden Scale was performed within the first few hours after arrival at hospital. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and hand grip strength were evaluated for a diagnosis of sarcopenia. Of the 289 patients admitted to the study institution, 180 patients were finally enrolled in the study (129 females; 51 males). In male patients, as SMI increased, so too did the Braden Scale score, which was statistically significant (p=0.02). However, there was no statistically significant difference between SMIs and Braden Scale scores in female patients (p=0.304). In male patients, there was no statistically significant difference between hand grip strength and Braden Scale score (p=0.251). However, in female patients, as hand grip strength increased, so too did the Braden Scale score; this was also statistically significant (p=0.041). In this study, decreased muscle mass and muscle weakness in patients with hip fractures were associated with increased PU risk as measured by Braden Scale scores in both males and females.

Comparison of The Assessment of The Braden Scale and The Gosnell Scale in Assessing The Level of Risk of Pressure Sores in Bed Rest Patients

Background: Pressure sores will make the healing process take a long time. Skin care to prevent pressure sores can be started since the patient is identified as being at risk for pressure ulcers through a pressure ulcer risk assessment, a pressure ulcer risk assessment method using two scales, namely the Braden and Gosnell scales.&#x0D; Objectives: This study aims to compare the assessment of the Braden scale and the Gosnell scale in assessing the level of risk of pressure sores in bed rest patients.&#x0D; Methods: This research design uses quantitative with comparative studies. The population is 706 people with a total sample of 61 people by accidental sampling. The research was conducted on 12 August – 25 September 2020. Data were analyzed univariate and bivariate using test Kappa.&#x0D; Results: The results show that most of the risk levels of pressure sores are more with moderate risk as much as 47.5% assessed by the Braden scale. Most of the level of risk of pressure sores is more with a mild risk of 62.3% assessed by the Gosnell scale. The Gosnell scale is better used to measure pressure sores in bed rest patients in the Inpatient Room at Bhayangkara Hospital Jambi in 2020 by showing the Kappa test value of 0.797.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Gosnell scale is better used to measure pressure sores in bed rest patients. It is recommended that the Gosnell test scale be applied in hospitals as an assessment of the risk of pressure sores in bed rest patients.

Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale in Adult Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia in the Operating Room.

Pressure ulcers are a common complication of immobility and frequently occur in surgical patients. The occurrence of pressure ulcers is affected by many factors, such as operation time and position, anesthesia method, and postoperative nursing. The aim of this study was to investigate the Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale's value in predicting acute pressure ulcers in general anesthesia patients. This case-control study included patients who underwent more than 2 hours of general anesthesia in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The case group comprised 42 patients who had pressure sores in surgical compression sites within 3 days after surgery. The control group consisted of 84 patients without acute pressure sores after surgery. Baseline patient data were compared between the two groups, and a logistic multivariate model was used to analyze potential risk factors for acute pressure ulcers. The Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale scores and Braden scale scores were compared between the two groups during and after surgery. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the clinical value of the two scales (administered at the two time points) in predicting the occurrence of acute pressure ulcers after surgery. The operation and anesthesia times of patients in the case group were longer than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The proportion of comatose patients and patients with diabetes were significantly higher in the case group. While the case group had higher Munro scores during and after surgery compared to the control group (P < 0.05), Braden scores at the corresponding time points were lower (P < 0.05). The following variables were identified as independent risk factors of acute pressure ulcers: prolonged operation time and anesthesia time, increase in Munro scores during and after operation, decrease in Braden scores during and after operation, and comatose status (P < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the postoperative Munro score for predicting postoperative pressure ulcer risk was 0.774; the sensitivity and specificity were 67.73% and 80.58%, respectively. The AUC of the intraoperative Braden score for predicting postoperative pressure ulcer risk was 0.836, with a sensitivity of 78.95% and specificity of 78.00%. The AUC of the postoperative Braden score for predicting postoperative pressure ulcer risk was 0.809, with a sensitivity of 73.58% and specificity of 64.26% (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that the intraoperative Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale is highly effective for predicting the risk of postoperative pressure ulcers in surgical patients who require general anesthesia.

Sub-epidermal moisture versus traditional and visual skin assessments to assess pressure ulcer risk in surgery patients.

To compare the predictive ability of subepidermal moisture (SEM) measurement versus traditional risk assessment and visual skin assessment (VSA) as means of detecting early pressure ulcer (PU) damage development among adults undergoing surgery. A non-experimental, comparative, descriptive cohort study design was used. Following ethical approval, participants who had given their informed written consent had their skin assessed over the areas that were weight-bearing during surgery, using VSA and the SEM measurement. Visual PUs were graded according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel ulcer grading system. Assessments took place preoperatively, then daily on the ward, beginning on day one postoperatively and continuing for three days or until discharge. Of the 231 participants, who had a mean age of 57.50 years, 55.8% (n=129) were male. The most common comorbidity was cardiology/vascular (n=42; 18.2%). Just over half (52.4%; n=121) underwent orthopaedic surgery and 47.6% (n=110) underwent non-orthopaedic surgery; 70% (n=163) received a general anaesthetic and 43% (n=100) were in the supine decubitus position during surgery. PU incidence was 51% (n=116), according to SEM measurement, and 3% (n=7) according to VSA. Among the seven participants who developed a visual PU, 10 PUs at stage 1 developed (31%); some patients developed more than one PU. Of the participants who had assessments for three days postoperatively, 94% (n=61) had a persistently high SEM delta on day three. The variables that emerged as statistically significantly related to abnormal SEM measurement deltas among these participants were: surgery duration (p=0.038); having orthopaedic surgery (p=0.020); supine surgical position (p=0.003); spinal anaesthetic type (p=0.0001); and Waterlow and Braden mobility subscale day one postoperatively (p=0.0001). None of the variables had a statistically significant influence on abnormal VSA. Surgical patients, because of immobility, are vulnerable to the action of compression and shear forces. These forces cause changes at a cellular level that trigger inflammation, which is a precursor to early tissue damage. SEM measurement can detect this tissue damage from the increase in the underlying tissue water content that results from inflammation. From the findings of this study, SEM measurement is very promising in the detection of early tissue damage in those at risk of PU development among the surgical population.

Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation of the Munro Scale in Italian

BACKGROUND: The Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale for Perioperative Patients – Adult (Munro scale) is a pressure ulcer/injury risk assessment scale for adult surgical patients. It consists of 3 sections relating to the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative periods. It is not available in Italian. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to translate the Munro scale into Italian and assess its cross-cultural content and face validity. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation process adhered to World Health Organization guidelines including forward translation, expert review, and back translation. Health care professionals with a minimum of 5 years of experience working in the operating rooms of different hospitals in northern Italy were invited to participate in a content and face validation of the translated instrument. Content validity was evaluated by rating the relevance of each scale item using a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not relevant) to 4 (very relevant). Face validity (comprehensibility and clarity) was also measured using a 4-point rating scale. RESULTS: Expert agreement of the translated instrument reached a Fleiss’ kappa of 0.95. The content validity index was 0.91, and all items had a score ≥ 3 for clarity and comprehensibility. CONCLUSION: The Italian version of the Munro scale can be used safely to assess patient risk of injuries during the perioperative period in Italy. The translation and validation study results confirmed that the Italian version was consistent with the original version. Further testing, including prospective validation, is needed.

Pressure Injury Risk Assessment and the Use of Intraoperative Polyurethane Foams to Prevent the Pressure Injuries

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing surgery are at risk of developing pressure sores up to 72 h after surgery. The incidence of pressure injury can affect patient outcomes and quality of care. Pressure injuries have many risk factors and causes. The Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale for Perioperative Patients was used to assess risk factors for developing a pressure injury. One of the interventions to prevent pressure injuries during and after surgery is polyurethane foams. AIM: The study aimed to describe the risk of pre-operative pressure injury, the use of intraoperative polyurethane foams, and the incidence of post-operative pressure injury in a private hospital in western Indonesia. METHODS: A cross-sectional quantitative descriptive study was conducted among 81 patients undergoing surgery using purposive sampling. The pre-operative risk assessment was conducted with the Munro scale for the pre-operative phase. The use of polyurethane foams during surgery and pressure injury incidence was observed. RESULTS: The results showed that 62 (76.5%) respondents were at moderate risk for pressure injury. 42 (51.9%) respondents used polyurethane foams in the intraoperative phase. Based on observation 72 h postoperatively, there was no pressure injury incidence. CONCLUSION: Pressure injuries can be prevented by identifying risk factors before the surgery. Nurses and surgeons need to be aware of the risk of pressure ulcers in the pre-, inter-, and post-operative phases. The use of polyurethane foams during surgery can be considered an intervention to prevent pressure injury.

Effectiveness of a multi-layer silicone-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing as prevention for sacral pressure ulcers in at-risk in-patients: Randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThere is need for improvement in effective pressure ulcers preventive strategies. ObjectiveTo study whether a multi-layer silicone-adhesive polyurethane foam dressing shaped for the sacrum prevents PUs development in addition to standard PU preventive care for at-risk hospitalized patients. DesignOpen-label, parallel group, multi-center randomized controlled trial. Participants and setting709 in-hospital patients at risk for pressure ulcers from 25 medical, surgical, and intensive care units of 12 Italian hospitals. MethodsA multi-layer silicone-adhesive polyurethane foam was applied to the sacrum in addition to standard PUs preventive care in the intervention group. In the control group, standard preventive care alone, including systematic pressure ulcer risk assessment, skin assessment three times per day, routine positioning every 4 h, use of active support surface as appropriate, and incontinence skin care, was guaranteed. Primary outcome was incidence of sacral pressure ulcers of any stage at seven days from hospital admission. Secondary outcomes were incidence of sacral pressure ulcers ≥ II stage, number of days needed to PU development, number of skin adverse events due to the foam dressing, number of dressings used for each patient, number of withdrawing patients due to discomfort caused by the foam dressing. Participants were evaluated at baseline and at seven days. ResultsIn patients admitted to medical units, 15/113 controls and 4/118 in the intervention group developed sacral pressure ulcers (p = 0.010; absolute reduction 9.2%; NNT for benefit 11, 95% CI 6 to 44). In patients admitted to surgical units, 21/144 controls and 8/142 in the intervention group developed sacral pressure ulcers (p = 0.010; absolute reduction 8.9%; NNT for benefit 11 95% CI 6 to 49). Pressure ulcers incidence was not significantly different between the randomization arms (5.2% experimental vs 10.4% control, p = 0.141) in patients admitted to intensive care units. Overall, 46/358 (12.8%) controls and 17/351 (4.8%) in the intervention group developed sacral pressure ulcers (p<0.001; absolute reduction 8%; number needed to treat (NNT) for benefit 12, 95% CI 8 to 26). Incidence of sacral pressure ulcers ≥ II stage did not differ significantly between the two groups. No adverse skin reactions and discomfort attributable to the foam application were reported. ConclusionA sacral multi-layer silicone-adhesive polyurethane foam in addition to standard preventive care is effective for pressure ulcers prevention in at-risk hospitalized patients admitted to medical and surgical units.TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03900455. The registration (April 1st, 2019) occurred before the first patient was enrolled (October 21st, 2019).

Predictive Value of the Interface Pressure and Frequency of Pressure Ulcer in Elderly Patients in the İnternal Medicine Intensive Care Units

Aim: Pressure ulcers develop frequently in immobile elderly. Pressure is extrinsic factor and it plays a major role in ulcer development. Nurses use a pressure ulcer risk assessment tools and risk assessment effectives as a means to ulcers preventing. To determine frequency and predictive value of interface pressure in pressure ulcer development in elderly patients hospitalized in internal medicine intensive care units. Materials and Methods: The study involved 140 patients admitted to internal intensive care clinics between May 2018 and August 2018 without pressure ulcers and who stayed in the ICU for more than 72 hours. Participants were scored using the Braden scale and were examined for the risk level of pressure ulcers. The inclusion criteria were age over 65 years and having a high risk of developing pressing ulcers. Patients were evaluated by “Questionnaire Form,“ Braden Risk Assessment Scale” and “ Palm Q-Portable Interface Pressure Sensor” every two days during their stay in the clinic. Results: Pressure ulcer developed in 22.1% of the patients but it didn’t develop in any of the oral feeding patients. The mean time for ulcer to develop was 6.90 (standard deviation 2.9) days. In patients with pressure ulcers, while the mean interface pressure value was 47.75 (standard deviation 6.79) mmHg at the beginning of the final evaluation position, 51.25 (standard deviation 6.71) mmHg at the end of the position. Conclusion: In all interface pressure measurements of patients who developed pressure ulcer, the interface pressure values increased at the end of the position compared to the beginning of the position.

Impact of a Pressure Ulcers Instructional Program on Nurses' Performance and Patient Outcomes

Background: Pressure ulcers are still a big problem in intensive care units. Nurses play a crucial role in its prevention and management. The goal of this study was to assess impact of a pressure ulcer instructional program on nurses' performance and patient outcomes. Method: A quasi-experimental design was used. The research was carried out at the Alazhar University Hospital in Damietta city. Subjects: includes 51 nurses and 80 patients were assigned to the ICU unit. Instrument: Structured interview sheet for nurses. It consisted of two parts: general characteristics, their understanding of pressure ulcers, observational checklist, patients' profile records, patients' outcomes, and the Braden Scale. Results. The study revealed that nurses' knowledge and practices significantly improved towards pressure ulcers post program implementation when compared to preprogram (with P value less than .05). Moreover, there was a significant improvement in pressure ulcer healing(outcome) among study group compared with control group who received routine care before the program (with P value less than .05). Conclusion: it was concluded that the educational programme is very helpful in enhancing knowledge and practice for nurses in intensive care units, as well as patient outcomes. Recommendation: More study should be done to evaluate the routine use and regular updating of pressure ulcer risk assessment sheets, as well as ongoing nurse education on PUs prevention.

Impact of tailored training about pressure injuries on nurses’ knowledge levels and pressure injury point prevalence: The case of Turkey

AimThis study was conducted to determine the impact of tailored training provided to nurses for preventing pressure injuries (PIs) on nurses’ knowledge levels and the PI point prevalence (PP). Materials and methodsThis interventional study was carried out in a university hospital with a bed capacity of 1114 in an urban center in Turkey. Ethics committee approval (28.06.2018/31) and institutional permission were obtained for the study, in addition to the nurses' written, informed consent. The study was completed in three stages. In the first stage an initial PP study was conducted in the clinics with the participation of the nurses and the members of the research team (n = 422 patients). In the second stage the knowledge levels of 194 nurses were measured before training was given on following-up and preventing PIs. The nurses then participated in the tailored training and their knowledge levels were re-measured afterwards. All the nurses were given individual advice related to the prevention of PIs for 30 days after they had completed the training. In the third stage a second PP study was conducted four months after the first PP study (n = 454 patients). The data were collected using the Pressure Injury Prevalence Form, the Braden Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Tool and the Knowledge Level Measurement Form. Descriptive values, the paired samples t-test, Pearson's chi-squared test and Fisher's Exact test were used to evaluate the data. ResultsThe nurses’ pretest mean knowledge score was 55.36% ± 14.40 and their posttest mean score was 69.92% ± 9.73. The difference between these scores was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The study found no significant difference between the first PP ratio and the second PP ratio (p > 0.05), and the nurses were better able to evaluate skin and PIs after the training. ConclusionThe study determined that the tailored training given to the nurses increased their knowledge; however, it had no impact on the PP after four months. It is recommended that any training programs using this model be continued and that PP studies of institutions be conducted annually.

Nurses’ Management of Patients with Pressure Ulcers in Selected Health Facilities in Murang’a County, Kenya

Pressure ulcers are a common health problem in hospitalized patients, especially among patients with chronic illnesses and those with reduced mobility. The prevalence of pressure ulcers varies with health care settings and is highest in critically ill patients ranging between 15-20%. They affect the quality of life of patients and caregivers and have been associated with heavy financial burdens, extended hospital stays, higher morbidity and mortality. Inadequate prevention measures and lack of active management of pressure ulcers in early stages especially in high-risk patients result in recurrence and complicated pressure ulcers. In view of this, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Murang’a County, Kenya in selected health facilities with the objective of determining the management of patients with pressure ulcers. The study population was composed of one hundred and twenty-four (124) nurses working in medical and surgical wards in selected health facilities. Semi-structured questionnaires, observational checklists and focused group discussions were used to collect data. The qualitative data from the focus group discussions and observational checklist were transcribed and a summary written. The relationship between nurse’s knowledge, nurse-oriented factors and institutional factors affecting management of pressure ulcers among nurses were examined using Pearson correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. The median age of the respondents was 37 years with at least 112 (90.3%) having diploma level of education, and 63 (50.9%) were from the medical department. The majority of the nurses (93.6%) agreed pressure ulcers can be avoided, while 58.1% preferred pressure ulcer risk assessment tools compared to 27.5% who preferred clinical judgment in the management of pressure ulcers. The majority of nurses (87.5%) who had adequate knowledge on the management of pressure ulcers mentioned immobility and bedridden patients, stroke, spinal injury, dry skin, stool and urine incontinence as major contributors to pressure ulcers. Regarding pressure ulcer risk assessment, 62.9% of nurses assessed patients for pressure ulcers though they relied on clinical judgement as 93.9% indicated there was no risk assessment scale in the wards and 5.1% were not sure. On institutional factors 61.3% of the nurses indicated that health facilities were lacking pressure ulcer reducing devices and those that had pillows and a few ripple mattresses. Regarding guidelines in the management of pressure ulcers, 75.8% of nurses indicated they were not available in the hospital. The study found an association between age and knowledge increasing the odds of effective management age (AOR = 6.83, p = 0.001); experience (AOR = 4.08, p = 0.01), and education (AOR = 22.9, p = 0.000). The nurse-oriented factors increasing the odds of effective management of pressure ulcers include nurse’s positive attitude on prevention of pressure ulcers (AOR = 2.3, p = 0.040) and nurse use of pressure ulcer risk assessment tool (AOR = 4.3, p = 0.010). On institutional factors, nurses trained on management of pressure ulcers were 4.47 times likely to effectively manage patients with pressure ulcers. Nurses who lack in-service training about pressure ulcers were less likely to effectively manage patients with pressure ulcers (AOR = 0.11, p = 0.000). The study concludes that the nurses had adequate knowledge in management of pressure ulcers, the nurses-oriented factors and institutional factors also influence the management of pressure ulcers

Admission Braden Scale Score as an Early Independent Predictor of In-Hospital Mortality Among Inpatients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has put a strain on health systems. Predictors of adverse outcomes need to be investigated to properly manage COVID‐19 patients. The Braden Scale (BS), commonly used for the assessment of pressure ulcer risk, has recently been proposed to identify frailty.ObjectiveTo investigate the predictive utility of the BS for prediction of in‐hospital mortality in a cohort of COVID‐19 patients admitted to non‐ICU wards.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective single‐center cohort study evaluating all patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection consecutively admitted over a 2‐month period (from March 6 to May 7, 2020) to the COVID‐19 general wards of our institution. Demographic, clinical, and nursing assessment data, including admission BS, were extracted from electronic medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the association between the BS score and in‐hospital death.ResultsBraden Scale was assessed in 146 patients (mean age 74.7 years; 52% males). On admission, 46 had a BS ≤ 15, and 100 patients had a BS > 15. Mortality among patients with BS ≤ 15 was significantly higher than in patients with BS > 15 (45.7% vs. 16%; p < .001). On multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for potentials confounders (age, Barthel scale, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, and hypertension), the admission BS remained inversely associated with the risk of in‐hospital mortality (OR = 0.76; 95% CI [0.60, 0.96]; p = .020).Linking Evidence to ActionAdmission BS could be used as a simple bedside predictive tool able to early identify non‐ICU COVID‐19 patients with poor prognosis who might benefit from specific and timely interventions.

Assessment of the risk of pressure ulcer during the perioperative period: Adaptation of the Munro scale to Turkish

Aim of the studyThis study was conducted to adapt the Munro Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale (Munro Scale) to Turkish and to test its validity and reliability. Materials and methodsIn the methodological study, the data were collected using the patient identification form, the Braden Scale, and the Munro Scale. A total of 188 patients were diagnosed for the risk of preoperative and intraoperative pressure ulcer, and then re-evaluated in the recovery room and in their bed. ResultsThe study group consisted of 81 (43.1%) males and 107 (56.9%) females with a mean age of 51.98 ± 16.87. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin sampling adequacy test was 0.588 and the Bartlett's test was 430.471. The results of goodness of fit indices were not as expected value in the confirmatory factor analysis. In the exploratory factor analysis, it was determined that the factor loadings of the Munro Scale varied between 0.336 and 0.873 and explained 62% of the total variance. In the parallel-form method performed for the reliability of the scale, it was observed that there was a weak and negative correlation between the total scores of the Munro Scale and Braden Scales before the surgery and a negative and moderate correlation between the total scores after the surgery. The total Cronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.504. In the reliability analysis of the scale, interrater correlation coefficients were found to be 0.865-0.998. ConclusionsThe Munro Scale can be used to assess the risk of pressure injuries in perioperative patients and may help nurses to identify high-risk patients.

Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers prevention: What is needed for patient safety? The perceptions of nurse stakeholders.

The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions of 11 Portuguese nurses' stakeholders regarding pressure ulcers prevention practice and reality in the hospital setting. Convenience sampling was used to recruit nursing stakeholders for a heterogeneous focus group. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 11 nursing stakeholders involved in pressure ulcers prevention and/or patient safety. MaxQda 2020 qualitative analysis software was used in the content analysis and data processing. Informed consent was obtained, and anonymity was guaranteed. Four themes were approached in the interview: (1) Pressure ulcer risk assessment; (2) Nurses and doctors pressure ulcers monitoring; (3) Pressure ulcer risk profiles; and (4) Effective interventions to improve patient safety. The categorisation of the four themes was created aposteriori based on the 'Awareness/Knowledge/Competence, Opportunity, and Motivation - Behaviour Change Wheel' (adapted COM-B system). Interest, responsibility, autonomy, leadership and prioritisation for decision-making were some categories linked to motivation. Braden scale operationalisation, education given during undergraduate degree continued professional health education, missing care, reliability of the records and patients' clinical characteristics emerged as categories associated with awareness/knowledge/competence. Understaffing/nursing hours, health policies, electronic health records systems and clinical language used, access to appropriate equipment and resources, teamwork and clinical support specialist on tissue viability/wound care were some categories related to opportunity. Pressure ulcer prevention is complex and requires a focussed attitude, robust evidenced-based knowledge and enhanced skills in risk assessment, communication and team collaboration. The highlighted categories could be further analysed at an organisational level to develop tailored strategies that could contribute to successful evidence-based practice implementation. The findings provide directions for behavioural change in the hospital context related to pressure ulcers prevention through awareness/knowledge/competence, motivation and opportunity to improve care delivered.