The Association Between Pressure Ulcer Development and In-Hospital Outcomes: A Nationwide Hospitalization-Level Study...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Research
• Patient Safety
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Pressure ulcers (PUs) represent a significant clinical complication and a marker of healthcare quality.
• Estimating the nationwide incidence and associated burdens of PUs is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the national incidence of pressure ulcers among hospitalized patients in Korea.
• To investigate the associations between pressure ulcers and in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and total inpatient costs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study utilizing retrospective cohort data from the National Health Insurance database (2016-2019).
• Nationally representative sample cohort data analyzed to approximate hospital-acquired pressure ulcers using secondary diagnosis codes.
• Multivariable regression models employed to identify factors associated with PU development and adverse outcomes.

Main Results:

• The incidence of pressure ulcers was low but significantly associated with adverse outcomes.
• Factors linked to higher PU likelihood include older age, severe disability, medical aid, long-term care hospital admission, and lower nurse staffing.
• Pressure ulcers correlated with increased in-hospital mortality, extended hospital stays, and elevated total inpatient costs.

Conclusions:

• Pressure ulcers impose a substantial clinical and economic burden, serving as indicators of patient vulnerability and healthcare quality.
• Strengthening preventive strategies, optimizing nurse staffing, and focusing on high-risk populations are vital for improving patient outcomes.
• Reducing pressure ulcer incidence can decrease avoidable healthcare utilization and enhance overall patient care quality.