A point prevalence study of medical device-associated pressure injuries: A cross-sectional study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the point prevalence and associated risk factors of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPI) in intensive care patients in Turkey.

MDRPI remain a clinical problem that has garnered the attention of healthcare professionals.

This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted over a single day in all intensive care units.

Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, observation, skin examination and detailed diagnosis of MDRPI development and influencing factors. Presence of pressure injuries on the skin in the areas where the patient's medical device was placed was defined. The study was reported according to the STROBE declaration.

MDRPI developed in 65 out of 200 patients included in the study (32.5%). The most frequent locations were on the face (71%). The MDRPIs were commonly associated with nasogastric tube (29.2%), endotracheal tube (18.5%) and CPAP mask (15.4%). A significant proportion of these injuries were mucosal (53.8%, n = 35). The majority of the skin pressure injuries were classified as Stage II (18.5%, n = 12). The risk increased 14 times in patients who were hospitalised for 9-16 days and 13 times in those who received mechanical ventilator support.

The study findings suggest that MDRPI developed in approximately one of three patients hospitalised in the intensive care unit, and the length of hospital stay and mechanical ventilator support were important determining risk factors. The high prevalence of MDRPI may indicate inadequate nursing care quality. Therefore, it is recommended that nurses be aware of risk factors and evaluate the suitability and safety of medical devices.

No patient or public contribution was involved in this study.