Characteristics of and Risk Factors for Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries in Trauma Patients in Intensive Care...

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Trauma Surgery
• Nursing Research

Background:

• Critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) require multiple medical devices, increasing the risk of medical device-related pressure injuries (MDRPIs).
• Research on MDRPIs in South Korean trauma ICU populations is limited.
• MDRPIs pose a significant threat to patient safety and outcomes in critical care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the incidence and characteristics of MDRPIs in trauma ICU patients.
• To determine the risk factors associated with MDRPI development in this patient group.
• To inform the development of targeted prevention strategies for MDRPIs in trauma ICUs.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study involving 755 trauma ICU patients (151 with MDRPIs, 604 without).
• Data extraction from electronic medical records, including demographics, clinical status, trauma details, and medical device use.
• Multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for MDRPIs.

Main Results:

• The overall incidence of MDRPIs was 4.3%.
• Deep tissue pressure injuries and stage 2 injuries were most common, frequently occurring on the heel and nose.
• Significant risk factors included nasogastric tubes (OR=16.48), continuous renal replacement therapy (OR=13.92), and splints/casts (OR=12.73).

Conclusions:

• Nasogastric tubes and immobilization devices are major contributors to MDRPIs in trauma ICU patients.
• Understanding these specific risk factors is crucial for developing effective prevention protocols.
• This study provides essential data for improving patient care and reducing MDRPI incidence in South Korean trauma ICUs.