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Identifying the characteristics of children with pressure ulcers
Jane Willock1, Ceri Harris, Juanita Harrison
1School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd.
Insights
Pediatric pressure ulcers often involve superficial skin breaks and are frequently located on the sacrum, buttocks, or heels. Equipment-related pressure is a common cause, highlighting the need for specialized pediatric risk assessment tools.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Wound Care
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Pressure ulceration is a significant concern in pediatric healthcare.
- Identifying at-risk children is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pressure ulceration in pediatric inpatients.
- To inform the development of targeted prevention and risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter survey was conducted across 11 hospitals.
- Data collected on incidence, severity, and location of pressure ulcers in children.
Main Results:
- The most common ulcer grade involved blistering or superficial skin breaks.
- Frequent sites included the sacrum, buttocks, heel, thigh, ear, occipital scalp, malleolus, and spine.
- Equipment-related pressure or friction was associated with 50% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Current risk assessment tools may not be adequate for pediatric populations.
- Further research is needed to identify specific risk factors and their significance in children.
- Development of pediatric-specific risk assessment tools is recommended.
Aim:
To identify the characteristics of children with pressure ulceration so that those at risk may be identified in future.
Method:
A multicentre survey was undertaken in 11 hospitals to ascertain the incidence, severity and position of pressure ulcers in paediatric inpatients.
Results:
The most frequently reported ulcer grade involved blistering of the skin or a superficial skin break. The most frequent site was the sacrum or buttocks, heel, thigh, ear, occipital scalp, malleolus and spine. In 50 per cent (n=27) of children, pressure ulcers could be associated with equipment pressing or rubbing on the skin.
Conclusion:
Risk assessment tools designed specifically for children are needed, and more research should be undertaken to confirm the characteristics that increase children's risk of pressure ulceration and to establish the significance of individual characteristics.
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