Assessing pressure ulcer risk in long-term care using the Waterlow scale

This article reports on a mixed-methods study examining the use of the Waterlow scale by nurses working in long-term care for older people in Scotland. Eight nurses from four long-term care facilities in two health board regions took part. They were observed carrying out 16 pressure ulcer risk assessments, after which they were interviewed about their assessment and plan of care. Results from the observations and interviews suggest that an assessment of pressure ulcer risk and plan of care went beyond the information that was contained in, or produced by, the Waterlow scale.