Adopting Braden Q in the NICU to Identify Neonates at Risk of Developing Pressure Injuries

There are numerous factors placing neonates at increased risk of developing pressure injuries while hospitalized. Prevention of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in this vulnerable patient population requires early risk identification. Unfortunately, identifying neonates who are at risk of developing pressure injuries is complicated because of the lack of pressure injury risk assessment tools validated for use in neonates. The Braden Q risk assessment scale was adopted by two NICUs within a health care system to aid in identifying neonates at risk of developing a pressure injury. Additionally, the electronic health record was adapted to assist nurses in implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent pressure injuries based on Braden Q subscores.