Skin tears in institutionalized elderly: an epidemiological study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dermatology
• Nursing

Background:

• Skin tears are a prevalent issue in the elderly, yet literature on their prevention, identification, and treatment is scarce.
• Aging skin integrity is compromised, making older adults susceptible to injuries like skin tears.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of skin tears in elderly residents within a nursing home setting.
• To establish an at-risk profile for skin tears to guide caregiver education and intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A six-month study involving 154 skin tears in a convenience sample of elderly residents from a VA Nursing Home Care Unit and community nursing homes.
• Data collection included demographics, medication use, cognitive function, activities of daily living (ADLs), and skin tear grading using the Payne-Martin Classification System.

Main Results:

• The at-risk population comprised very old, frail women, dependent in ADLs, with nutritional compromise and dementia.
• Identified risk factors included stiffness, sensory loss, limited mobility, polypharmacy, assistive device use, ecchymosis, and prior skin tears.
• Most skin tears were small, frequently on upper extremities, often without tissue loss, and occurred in patient care bedrooms.

Conclusions:

• The study identified a distinct profile of elderly individuals at high risk for skin tears.
• Findings provide a basis for developing targeted educational programs for caregivers to improve prevention and management of skin tears.