Pressure ulcer prevention within 72 hours of admission in a rehabilitation setting

This prospective study followed 91 patients in an acute rehabilitation facility from admission until discharge. Of these patients, 35 patients were initially assessed at-risk for pressure ulcers. Demographics, risk status, and pressure ulcer prevention strategies were examined and assessed for at-risk and not at-risk patients. At-risk patients had significantly more medical diagnoses and longer hospitalizations than not at-risk patients, but did not differ by sex, race or age. The following pressure ulcer prevention strategies were considered for both at-risk and not at-risk patients within the first three days of admission: pressure-reducing bed surface, pillows for positioning, lift sheet, heel protection, posted turning schedule, pressure ulcer prevention care plan, pressure ulcer prevention charted, and pressure ulcer prevention educational materials at the bedside. Only the use of pillows for positioning was significant between the two groups; all other preventive strategies were comparable between both groups. For at-risk patients, it is necessary to implement pressure ulcer prevention strategies as early as possible after admission since pressure ulcers may quickly develop.