[Does the evaluation of the pressure ulcer risk increase better prevention?]

The aim of the study was to indagate if pressure sore risk group patients in a 500 beds' hospital received more preventive care of a no risk control sample. Data have been collected on all patients (minimum stay of three days) from admission to discharge using an assessment dedicated tool. Results of a modified Norton Scale show that a 20% of pressure sores' risk patients receive more preventive care. A positive correlation was demonstrated particularly with: patient's position, bed side at 30 degrees inclination, pillows use, preventive local medications. However, in both groups, the general preventive intervention was definite as low. While an encrease of pressure sores (12%) has been demonstrated in the risk group, no alteration has been reported in the control group.