Moisture associated skin damage (MASD) in intensive care patients: A Norwegian point-prevalence study

Critically ill patients are at risk of developing moisture associated skin damage and pressure ulcers. These conditions may co-exist and be difficult to distinguish, but a simultaneous investigation may provide a true prevalence.

To investigate the prevalence of moisture associated skin damage and associated factors among Norwegian intensive care patients.

A multi-centre one-day point-prevalence study.

Totally, 112 patients participated in the study. Overall, 15 patients (13%, 15/112) had some type of moisture associated skin damage of which six cases (5%, 6/112) were related to faeces and/or urine (incontinence associated dermatitis). Skin breakdown occurred primarily in the pelvic area. Overall, 87% (97/112) had an indwelling urinary catheter. Stools were reported in 42% (47/112) of the patients on the study day, mostly liquid or semi-liquid. Overall, 11% (12/112) had a faecal management system. Only a few care plans for moisture associated skin damage prevention and care existed.

Patients in this study were vulnerable to skin breakdown in the pelvic area. Nevertheless, a low prevalence of skin breakdown existed. This may relate to intensive care nurses' qualifications, the 1:1 nurse-patient staffing, the high prevalence of urinary catheters and few patients having stools.