Related Experiment Videos
Incidence, contributory factors and costs of pressure sores
Insights
Pressure sores affect 4.5% of general hospital patients, with older, immobile, and incontinent individuals most at risk. Skin discoloration from pressure also impacts an additional 5.2% of patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Care
- Geriatrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pressure sores represent a significant challenge in long-term medical care.
- The full extent and economic impact of pressure sores are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of pressure sores in a general hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- A study was conducted within a general hospital to assess patients for pressure sores.
- Data collection focused on identifying the prevalence of pressure sores and related skin issues.
Main Results:
- The incidence of pressure sores was found to be 4.5% among the total patient population.
- An additional 5.2% of patients exhibited skin discoloration due to pressure.
- Patients with pressure sores were predominantly over 60 years old, incontinent, and immobile.
Conclusions:
- Pressure sores are a notable complication in general hospital care.
- Risk factors include advanced age, incontinence, and immobility.
- Further research is needed to address the costs and management of pressure sores.
Abstract:
Although pressure sores are an increasing problem in long-term medical care, the magnitude and costs of the complication are not well documented. In this article an investigation of the pressure sore problem in a general hospital is described. The incidence of patients with pressure sores was found to be 4,5% of the total patient population, with an additional 5,2% showing signs of skin discoloration from excessive or prolonged pressure. The majority of patients with sores were over 60 years of age, incontinent, immobile and White.