Management of pressure sores. Comparative study in medical and surgical patients

During a five-month period, a study was performed on medical and surgical floors of 36 beds each to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured multidisciplinary approach to prevention and treatment of pressure sores. Each pressure sore was evaluated by site and degree of severity. Follow-up was made three months later. The results indicate general improvement in patients on both floors, independent of site and severity of sores. During the study, the incidence of pressure sores per week decreased from 12% (surgical) and 29% (medical) to 0%, and the prevalence decreased from 69% (surgical) and 51% (medical) to 0%. On follow-up, prevalence remained low, at 16% (surgical) and 8% (medical). Interestingly, the more severe pressure sores were absent. An understanding of the role of intrinsic and extrinsic factors in production and evolution of pressure sores is essential. Control of these factors is the basis of effective prevention and treatment.