Clinical Impact of New-Onset Stage II Pressure Injuries in Hospitalised Patients With Multiple Comorbidities

To investigate the clinical outcomes and predictors associated with the severity of new-onset pressure injuries in hospitalised patients with multiple comorbidities.

Retrospective cohort study.

We retrospectively collected data on hospitalized patients. The severity of pressure injury was defined as per the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel. Outcome measures included short-term mortality and discharge to extended care facilities.

A total of 2150 hospitalised patients were screened, and 186 (8.7%) developed new-onset pressure injuries, including 84 classified as stage I and 102 as stage II. The Braden scale score and time from admission to pressure injury onset were significantly associated with new-onset stage II pressure injuries. Patients with stage II pressure injuries had a significantly higher risk of being discharged to extended care facilities compared to those with stage I pressure injuries (24% vs. 12%, p = 0.041). The short-term mortality rate was high in the total cohort (34%) but was not significantly different between the two groups. The worse Braden scale, lower body mass index, history of stroke and presence of stage II pressure injuries were significant predictors of discharge to extended care facilities.

New-onset Stage II pressure injuries significantly increased the risk of discharge to extended care facilities. Furthermore, this study expands the potential clinical utility of the Braden Scale by demonstrating its association not only with the risk of pressure injury development but also with the initial severity of injuries once they occur. These findings support its role in early risk stratification and targeted nursing interventions.

This study highlights the importance of early identification and prevention of pressure injuries and the potential role of the Braden scale in minimizing injury severity, reducing healthcare utilization, and improving quality of life.

STROBE guidelines.

None.