[PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE ULCERS IN THE UNIFIED EMERGENCY ADMISSION DEPARTMENT – OUR REALITY]

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Geriatrics
• Wound Care

Background:

• Pressure ulcers are a common concern, often leading patients to seek emergency care for co-existing conditions.
• Patients with pressure ulcers are typically admitted to the Unified Emergency Admission Department (UEAD) for reasons other than their ulcers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of pressure ulcer patients presenting to the UEAD.
• To identify the primary reasons for UEAD presentation in these patients.
• To determine the subsequent management and outcomes for patients with pressure ulcers admitted to the UEAD.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of data from the Hospital Information System.
• Inclusion of patients admitted to the UEAD between January 1, 2016, and May 31, 2016.
• Analysis of demographic data, referral source, triage category, and patient disposition.

Main Results:

• A total of 18 patients with pressure ulcers were admitted to the UEAD.
• The majority of patients (72%) were referred from family, contrary to expectations of more referrals from social care institutions.
• Hospitalization occurred in 55.5% of patients, while 44.4% were discharged; only one patient was admitted primarily for ulcer complications.

Conclusions:

• Contrary to assumptions, family referrals are more prevalent than social care referrals for pressure ulcer patients presenting to the UEAD.
• Effective nurse training and discharge letter implementation may influence referral patterns.
• The study highlights the importance of understanding patient pathways for pressure ulcer management within emergency departments.