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A Retrospective Comparison of Patient and Pressure Injury Data at Two Time Points in a Regional Hospital in France
George Kosmadakis1, Marie Christine Martinez1, Sandrine Andre1
1Jacques Lacarin Vichy General Hospital, Vichy, France.
Insights
Pressure injury (PI) rates remained stable between 2009 and 2013, despite interventions. Increased patient age and frailty may explain the persistent PI prevalence in healthcare settings. Further research is recommended.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Patient Safety
- Clinical Epidemiology
Background:
- Pressure injuries (PIs) represent a substantial challenge for healthcare institutions globally.
- Understanding PI prevalence and contributing factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of pressure injuries (PIs) at two distinct time points.
- To identify variables influencing PI prevalence and care within a healthcare setting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed patient data from a French semi-urban state hospital.
- Data on demographics, clinical factors, PI occurrence, and prevention/care measures were collected in 2009 and 2013.
- Statistical analyses included t-tests and Pearson's chi-square tests (P < .05 significance).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in PI rates was observed between 2009 (19%) and 2013 (16%).
- Patient age increased significantly (P = .014), and the proportion of severe PIs (stages 3-4) rose (P = .010).
- Interventions like specialty mattresses and nutritional supplements increased, while tube feeding decreased in 2013.
Conclusions:
- Despite enhanced preventive and therapeutic measures, PI rates did not significantly decrease.
- An aging and more frail patient population may contribute to sustained PI prevalence.
- Prospective, multi-institutional research is necessary to further investigate PI trends and effective interventions.
Background:
Pressure injuries (PIs) are a significant problem for health care institutions.
Purpose:
A retrospective study of patient data was conducted at a semi-urban state hospital in France, aiming to evaluate the rate of PIs and variables that may influence PI prevalence and care at 2 different time points.
Methods:
Patient demographic, clinical, PI and PI prevention, and care variables were retrieved from the charts of all patients on all wards (except pediatrics and obstetrics) on October 20, 2009, and on October 24, 2013-4 years apart. Qualitative data were compared between the 2 dates using a t-test for independent variables. The remaining variables were compared using Pearson's chi-square method. P < .05 was considered significant.
Results:
No significant differences were noted in PI rates (19% for 2009 and 16% for 2013) or the timing of their occurrence (51% occurred following admission in 2009, and 58.3% occurred after admission in 2013). Significant differences were found with regard to patient age (average, 73.97 and 76.22 years old in 2009 and 2013, respectively; P = .014) and rates of serious injuries (27% and 43% were stages 3 and 4 in 2009 and 2013, respectively; P = .010). Compared with 2009, in 2013, significantly more patients were placed on a specialty mattress and provided nutritional supplements and fewer were provided percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or nasogastric tubes.
Conclusion:
The rate of PIs was not different between these 2 time points despite improvements in the use of preventive and therapeutic measures, perhaps due to the increased age and frailty of the patient population in 2013 compared with 2009. Additional prospective research across multiple health care entities is warranted.
