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Characteristics of burn patients developing pressure ulcers
D E Fritsch1, T L Coffee, C J Yowler
1Comprehensive Burn Care Center, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA.
The Journal of Burn Care & Rehabilitation
|August 3, 2001
Summary
A 1997 study found a 4.1% incidence of pressure ulcers in 217 burn patients. High-risk factors included major burns, concurrent injuries, and older age, leading to improved burn care protocols.
Area of Science:
- Burn Care
- Patient Safety
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Pressure ulcers pose a significant risk in hospitalized patients.
- Burn patients present unique challenges for pressure ulcer prevention due to injury severity and treatment interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively identify the incidence and risk factors for pressure ulcer development in burn center patients.
- To inform clinical practice and improve preventive strategies for pressure ulcers in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 217 consecutive burn patients.
- Weekly assessments to identify pressure ulcer development, demographics, injuries, comorbidities, risk factors, and outcomes.
- Utilized the Braden Scale for risk assessment.
Main Results:
- An overall incidence of 4.1% for pressure ulcers was observed.
- Common ulcer locations included the sacrum, occipital area, and heel.
- Patients developing pressure ulcers were older, had major burn injuries, concurrent injuries or infections, and underwent more surgical procedures.
Conclusions:
- The study identified specific risk factors for pressure ulcer development in burn patients, differing from non-burn populations.
- Findings led to modifications in clinical pathways to enhance preventive strategies for high-risk burn patients.
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