Collecting pressure ulcer prevention and management outcomes: 2

Area of Science:

• Clinical Medicine
• Nursing Research
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Assessing intervention impact requires evaluating both efficacy and effectiveness.
• Previous work outlined the methodology for a multinational study on pressure ulcer development.
• This study focuses on patient characteristics within the UK cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report detailed characteristics of 2507 UK adult hospital patients.
• To identify patient risk factors for developing pressure ulcers.
• To describe the utilization of pressure-redistributing (PR) devices.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, non-randomized cohort study.
• Recruitment of 2507 adult hospital patients in the UK.
• Assessment of patient risk using the Waterlow score (≥15 indicating elevated risk).

Main Results:

• Over 40% of patients (42%) were at elevated risk for pressure ulcers (Waterlow score ≥15).
• Immobility was common, with 13% confined to bed and 10% to bed and chair.
• Most patients (74%) used PR beds/mattresses, but only 27% had PR seat cushions.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of UK hospital patients are at high risk for pressure ulcers.
• Immobility is a key factor contributing to pressure ulcer risk.
• While PR beds/mattresses are common, further investigation into PR device effectiveness and patient outcomes is warranted.