The Braden Scale. A review of the research evidence

This review of recent research was undertaken to answer questions about the predictive performance of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk. The data are varied across settings, conditions, and populations. Although the predictive values of an at-risk classification are consistently modest, they may be understated because of the confounding influence of effective care administered to patients during the studies. In contrast, the predictive values of a not-at-risk classification are consistently quite high. The reviewer concludes that the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk is a useful risk prediction tool that should be used in conjunction with clinical nursing judgment and as part of a comprehensive pressure ulcer prevention program.