RESUMEN
Pressure ulcers (PU) remain a serious healthcare problem in the United States. This study investigated the effectiveness of a prevention and early intervention program in reducing the prevalence of pressure ulcers (i.e., the number or the percentage of persons with pressure ulcers at a given time) in a rehabilitation hospital. The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk was used to assess subjects' PU risk. Protocols were established for PU stages consistent with the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel consensus statement on pressure ulcers. Staff were educated about PUs and the specific protocols for prevention and treatment. Concurrent quarterly prevalence audits on a total of 116 patients were conducted for 1 year. An audit also was done 16 months after protocols had been established. There was a 60% decrease in pressure ulcer prevalence from the 25% baseline to the 10% found at the audit following implementation of the protocols.
Asunto(s)
Planificación de Atención al Paciente , Úlcera por Presión/enfermería , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Investigación en Enfermería Clínica , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Evaluación en Enfermería , Auditoría de Enfermería , Úlcera por Presión/etiología , Prevalencia , Centros de RehabilitaciónRESUMEN
Pressure ulcers remain a serious health problem, especially in terms of personal suffering and economics. The study described here, conducted in a rehabilitation setting, investigated the prevalence (number of persons with pressure ulcers at a given time) and the incidence (number of persons developing pressure ulcers over a given time) of pressure ulcers. Skin assessments and risk assessments of the subjects were completed using the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk. Demographic data were obtained. The prevalence rate was 25%, although there was no incidence during the time of this study. Factors associated with the prevalence of pressure ulcers are discussed.
Asunto(s)
Úlcera por Presión/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Medio Oeste de Estados Unidos/epidemiología , Evaluación en Enfermería , Úlcera por Presión/etiología , Úlcera por Presión/enfermería , Prevalencia , Centros de Rehabilitación , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
Hospice patients may be at greater risk of pressure ulcer development than most patients. This descriptive study explored the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers in the hospice setting, utilizing both a prospective and retrospective methodological approach. Levine's theory of the four principles of conservation formed the theoretical basis for the study, and the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk was used for data collection. Prevalence of pressure ulcers was noted to be 13 percent in the study. Incidence of pressure ulcers was found to be zero percent using prospective methodology and 13 percent using retrospective methodology. Five of eight ulcers (62 percent) occurred within two weeks of patient death. Factors related to pressure ulcer development are presented, as well as a discussion of using research methodologies in the hospice setting. The article suggests the need for preventive protocols for skin care for patients who are at risk for pressure ulcer development.