Effects of a pressure-reduction mattress and staff education on the incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether replacing standard hospital mattresses with pressure-reduction mattresses and educating the patient care team on Agency for Health Care Policy and Research prevention guidelines would decrease the incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers.Design: Retrospective chart review before and after implementation of replacement of standard hospital mattresses with pressure-reduction mattresses and before and after patient care team education was completed.Setting and Subjects: A 6-month clinical study with 141 subjects was conducted on a skilled-nursing unit.Methods: The 3-month preintervention sample group of 141 subjects received routine nursing care on a standard hospital mattress. After the introduction of pressure-reduction mattresses and an education program, a 3-month postintervention sample group of 141 subjects was studied.Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of nosocomial pressure ulcers during a 3-month period.Results: Among the preintervention group, 21 of 141 subjects (15%) acquired nosocomial pressure ulcers, versus 16 of 141 subjects (11%) in the postintervention group. This improvement was not statistically significant (χ² = 0.78, df = 1, p = 0.38). The incidence of ulcers staged II or higher dropped from 11 patients in the preintervention group to six in the postintervention group, a 45% reduction that was not statistically significant (χ² = 1.56, df = 1, p = 0.21).Conclusion: Replacement of standard hospital mattresses and education of staff according to recommendations from the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guideline for pressure ulcer prediction and prevention did not significantly change the incidence of pressure ulcers during a 3-month period in our skilled-nursing unit.     

预见性护理对晚期肿瘤老年卧床患者压疮发生率及Braden评分的影响

分析将预见性护理用于晚期肿瘤老年卧床患者对压疮发生率、Braden评分的影响。 方法 选取南通大学附属医院2021年-2022年收治的74例晚期肿瘤老年卧床患者为研究对象，根据患者的 入院先后顺序分为对照组和观察组，每组37例。对照组实施常规护理，观察组实施预见性护理，比较两组 压疮发生情况及Braden评分。结果 观察组压疮发生率为5.41%，低于对照组的18.92%，差异有统计学意义 （P ＜0.05）；观察组护理后知觉、营养、皮肤剪切力及摩擦力、潮湿度评分均高于对照组，差异有统计 学意义（P ＜0.05）。结论 将预见性护理用于晚期肿瘤老年卧床患者护理中可有效预防压疮风险，并提高 Braden评分。     

Subscales, subscores, or summative score: evaluating the contribution of Braden Scale items for predicting pressure ulcer risk in older adults receiving home health care.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether certain Braden subscales or subscores were more important than others or the summative score in predicting stage I to IV pressure ulcers among older adults receiving home health care. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study (secondary analysis) was used. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: The cohort sample included 1684 nonhospice patients who were not receiving intravenous therapy and who were admitted to the Intermittent Skilled Nursing Division of a large midwestern home health care agency between January 1995 and March 1996. The patients were > or =60 years and free of pressure ulcers. METHODS: Demographic data and data on the Braden Scale were extracted from admission information. Patient records were followed forward chronologically to 1 of 2 outcomes: development or absence of pressure ulcers (ie, free of pressure ulcers upon discharge, institutionalization, death, or the end of the study period). RESULTS: Following admission, a stage I to IV pressure ulcer developed in 107 subjects (incidence = 6.3%). Cox regression analysis revealed that activity and moisture subscale scores predicted pressure ulcer development. Regression modeling of individual Braden Scale subscores (response categories) revealed that problems with friction/shear, being very limited in mobility, and being constantly moist, very moist, or occasionally moist predicted pressure ulcer development. When the overall level of risk was added to each of these models, the Braden Scale summative score was most strongly related to pressure ulcer development. No simplified scale improved risk prediction. CONCLUSIONS: When the Braden Scale was used, the summative score rather than any subscale or subscore best predicted pressure ulcer risk among the older adults receiving home health care.     

Evaluation of a protocol for prevention of facility-acquired heel pressure ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether identification of comorbidities (in addition to daily Braden scale assessment and early aggressive pressure reduction interventions) would impact the development of facility-acquired pressure ulcers (FAPU) of the heel. METHODS: Patients admitted to a 333-bed community hospital located 20 miles west of Chicago. Overall, 70 medical records were reviewed, while 242 adult patients (46 in the intervention groups and 196 in the control groups) and 24 nurses participated in the study. The study was conducted in 4 phases, including a retrospective chart audit, 2 prospective interventions, and a product evaluation. Phase 1 entailed a retrospective chart review of patients who were admitted with or developed heel pressure ulcers over a 2-year period to identify factors most predictive of skin breakdowns. Phase 2 included two 10-day aggressive assessment and tailored intervention periods. Phase 3 involved prevalence day assessments of effectiveness of interventions as compared to patients on control nursing units. Phase 4 involved a staff survey comparing effectiveness and satisfaction of the current and trial heel pressure-relieving products. FINDINGS: Risk factors for development of heel ulcers during hospital stay or prior to admission included type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), low albumin, and Braden scale score. During implementation of phase 2 (two 10-day assessment and tailored intervention periods), no heel FAPU were associated with the intervention. During the phase 3 FAPU prevalence assessment, 3 patients had facility-acquired heel ulcers; 2 were in the control group and would have met inclusion criteria if included in the intervention. One patient was in the intervention group but was not following the protocol. During phase 4, there were significant preferences for the trial heel pressure relief device on effectiveness, as well as patient and staff satisfaction. CONCLUSION: A pressure ulcer prevention protocol that incorporated accurate assessment of risk factors (Braden Scale and comorbidities) with frequent documentation of heel skin integrity had a positive impact on the incidence of heel FAPU. In addition, early aggressive implementation of pressure-reducing and pressure-relieving devices was effective in reducing FAPU rates.     

Accuracy and quality in the nursing documentation of pressure ulcers: a comparison of record content and patient examination.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and describe the quality of nursing documentation of pressure ulcers in a hospital care setting. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was used comparing retrospective audits of nursing documentation of pressure ulcers to previous physical examinations of patients. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: All inpatient records (n = 413) from February 5, 2002, at the surgical/orthopedic (n = 144), medical (n = 182), and geriatric (n = 87) departments of one Swedish University hospital. INSTRUMENTS: The European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel data collection form and the Comprehensiveness In Nursing Documentation. METHODS: All 413 records were reviewed for presence of notes on pressure ulcers; the findings were compared with the previous examination of patients' skin condition. Records with notes on pressure ulcers (n = 59) were audited using the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and Comprehensiveness In Nursing Documentation instruments. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of pressure ulcers obtained by audit of patient records was 14.3% compared to 33.3% when the patients' skin was examined. The lack of accuracy was most evident in the documentation of grade 1 pressure ulcers. The quality of the nursing documentation of pressure ulcer (n = 59) was generally poor. CONCLUSIONS: Patient records did not present valid and reliable data about pressure ulcers. There is a need for guidelines to support the care planning process and facilitate the use of research-based knowledge in clinical practice. More attention must be focused on the quality of clinical data to make proper use of electronic patient records in the future.     

集束化护理在骨折压疮高危病人管理中的应用

目的：探讨集束化护理对骨折压疮高危病人（Braden评分≤12分）的护理效果。方法将2015年9月至2016年9月于贵州省人民医院骨科治疗的126例骨折压疮高危病人纳入本研究,按入院的先后顺序分为两组,其中2015年9月至2016年3月入院的69例纳入对照组,采取常规压疮预防措施;2016年4月至2016年9月入院的57例纳入研究组,采取集束化护理预防压疮。出院时评估并比较两组病人的压疮发生率,并通过Braden评分评估两组病人的护理效果。结果对照组69例中,49例达有效护理,护理有效率为71.01%,12例发生压疮,压疮发生率为17.39%;研究组57例中,51例达有效护理,护理有效率为89.47%,3例发生压疮,压疮发生率为5.26%。两组间护理有效率和压疮发生率的差异均具有统计学意义（χ2=6.495,P=0.011;χ2=4.378,P=0.036）。结论集束化护理能提高骨科骨折压疮高危病人的护理有效率,降低压疮发生率。     

Effect of visco-elastic foam mattresses on the development of pressure ulcers in patients with hip fractures

This study had three aims: to investigate if visco-elastic foam mattresses are more effective than standard hospital mattresses in reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers in patients with hip fractures; to compare pressure ulcer grade and location and documented nursing prevention and treatment interventions in patients using the two types of mattresses; to identify possible predictors of pressure ulcer development. Using a prospective randomised controlled trial design 101 patients (mean age: 84 years) were randomly allocated either a visco-elastic foam mattress or a standard mattress. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pressure ulcers between the two groups, but patients on standard mattresses tended to develop more severe pressure ulcers. Furthermore, according to the documentation, patients with grade I pressure ulcers who were allocated a standard mattress received more preventive interventions, which may have reduced the differences in outcomes between the two groups. The researchers concluded that the results support the use of the test mattress. Significant predictors of pressure ulcer development were long waiting times for surgery and low haemoglobin levels at hospital admission.     

Clinical trial of a prevention and treatment protocol for skin breakdown in two nursing homes.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of skin care protocols, including a body wash and skin protectant, on skin breakdown in 2 nursing homes. DESIGN: This was a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest design study.Setting and subjects Adult residents (n = 136) of 2 skilled nursing homes consented to participate in this study. Seventy percent were women; the sample average age of 82 years. INSTRUMENTS: A researcher-designed data recording form documented resident demographics, incidence and type of skin breakdown or pressure ulcer, presence of urinary or fecal incontinence, and assessment of the effectiveness of body wash and skin protectant. METHODS: Baseline data on prevalence of pressure ulcers and skin protocol were collected weekly for a 3-month period followed by a week-long educational program by the researchers about skin care and the body wash and skin protectant. During the 3-month trial with the body wash and skin protectant incorporated into routine care, research assistants recorded resident data weekly and researchers again assessed prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers and skin breakdown weekly. RESULTS: Incorporation of a body wash and skin protectant into a skin care prevention and early intervention protocol in 2 nursing homes documented a decrease in skin breakdowns from 68 pre-intervention to 40 postintervention; the decrease in agency B was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant decrease in stage I and II pressure ulcer incidence overall (pre-intervention = 19.9%, postintervention = 8.1%). Nurses evaluated the body wash and skin protectant as effective for 98% of the time used. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a protocol for skin care along with staff education, including the prophylactic use of a body wash and skin protectant, reduced the incidence of skin breakdown, including pressure ulcers and perineal dermatitis, in 2 long-term care facilities.     

Risk factors for recurrence of pressure ulcers after defect reconstruction

Patients suffering from pressure ulcers remain to be a challenging task for nursing staff and doctors in the daily clinical management, putting—notably in the case of recurrences—additional strain on the constantly reduced resources in public healthcare. We aimed to assess the risk factors for the recurrence of pressure ulcers at our institution, a tertiary referral center. In this retrospective analysis of patients admitted to our division we identified risk factors for pressure ulcer recurrence. The hospital patient database search included all patients with a diagnosis of pressure ulcers of the torso and lower extremity. One hundred sixty‐three patients were diagnosed with pressure ulcers and 55 patients with 63 pressure ulcers met our inclusion criteria. The 17 recurrences (27%) had an average follow‐up of 728 days. Most presented with lesions of the ischial tuberosity (n=24). Recurrence was statistically associated with defect size (p = 0.013, Cox regression analysis), and serum albumin levels (p = 0.045, Spearman correlation), but no association was found for body mass index, bacterial profile, comorbidities, localization, previous surgery, or time‐to‐admission for reconstruction (all p > 0.05). Supported by the recent literature we identified factors like defect size to be associated with pressure ulcer recurrence, but not with time‐to admission for reconstruction or number of previous debridements. Whether laboratory values like serum albumin levels were the cause, the result or associated with pressure ulcer recurrence warrants further investigation.     

Patients with existing pressure ulcers admitted to acute care.

PURPOSE: This study describes the characteristics of patients with pressure ulcers present on admission to the hospital and predictors of pressure ulcer presence and severity. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Adults (n = 267) admitted to a Pacific Basin military hospital who were expected to stay more than 24 hours. INSTRUMENTS: Braden scale, portable vital sign machine, and pulse oximeter. METHODS: Pressure ulcer risk was evaluated and skin inspection was performed. Demographic, physiologic, and laboratory data were obtained. Medical history and patient acuity were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 267 subjects (12.8%) had a pressure ulcer. Most were male and white. Their mean age was 65.7 years; mean albumin level, 2.9 g/dL: mean hematocrit level, 31.9 vol%; mean oxygen saturation, 95.3 mm Hg; and mean hemoglobin level, 10.7 g/dL. The mean Braden scale score for subjects without ulcers on admission was 19.7, and it was 15.9 for those with ulcers (P < .05). Analysis of variance showed that subjects with pressure ulcers had a significantly lower albumin level, total lymphocyte count, hematocrit level, and hemoglobin level. These subjects were significantly older and had a longer hospital length of stay. Regression showed that albumin level, oxygen saturation, and length of stay (P < .01) accounted for 11.3% of the variance of pressure ulcer presence and that albumin level and length of stay (P < .001) accounted for 11.2% of the variance in ulcer severity. CONCLUSIONS: Poorer nutritional status and decreased oxygen perfusion were predictors of pressure ulcers on admission. Nutrition and length of stay were predictors of ulcer severity. Further research is warranted.     

Microclimate and development of pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes

This study aims to evaluate the microclimate and development of pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes. A prospective cohort study was conducted in an acute care ward in Indonesia. Risk factors for pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes were identified based on the Bergstrom Braden conceptual model. Microclimate data were collected every 3 days for 15 days while the development of pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes was observed every day. Pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes were developed in 20 of the 71 participants. Total mean difference in skin temperature was higher for patients with pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes (0·9 ± 0·6°C) compared with controls (0·6 ± 0·8°C) (P = 0·071). Binary logistic regression predictor values for pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes were 0·111 for type of sheet and 0·347 for Braden Scale results. In conclusion, difference in skin temperature seems to be a predictor for pressure ulcer development and superficial skin changes, while synthetic fibre sheets are able to maintain a beneficial microclimate.     

Presence of pressure ulcer prevention methods used among patients considered at risk versus those considered not at risk

Purpose: This study examined pressure ulcer-prevention strategies available for patients considered at risk versus those considered not at risk.Design: The study used a prospective, longitudinal design.Setting and Subjects: Six hundred ninety-four patients from units of five acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation facility, and two nurses' home care caseloads participated in the investigation.Instruments: Data-collection instruments included the Braden Scale for risk assessment, demographic information, and the Pressure Ulcer-Prevention Strategies tool, which assessed for the presence of 16 pressure ulcer-prevention strategies.Methods: All patients admitted to a participating unit during a 2-month period were followed up until discharge. Depending on the site, patients were assessed for the presence of pressure ulcer-prevention strategies one to three times per week.Results: Patients in the at-risk group versus those in the not-at-risk group were more likely (p < 0.01) to have the head of the bed in a low position, a pressure-reducing bed surface, pressure ulcer prevention charted, a positioning wedge, incontinence cleanser and ointment, heel protection, a prevention care plan, a trapeze, and a posted turning schedule. The at-risk group had significantly (p < 0.01) more prevention strategies present than did the not-at-risk group. However, the percentage of patients placed on a pressure ulcer-prevention program was low for both groups.Conclusions: Pressure ulcer prevention was evident for the at-risk group, but at a low rate. Institutions must continue to explore this critical area affecting patient outcomes.     

Treatment of diabetic foot complications with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A retrospective experience

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the role of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of all patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated at the Institution's hyperbaric chamber between January 2010 and August 2012. Patient data was obtained upon patient hospital visit and prospective clinical record consultation.ResultsTwenty-six foot lesions including 13 foot ulcers Wagner grade 2 or greater and 13 amputation stump ulcers were submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy between January 2010 and August 2012 in our Institution. Of these, 23 foot lesions completed treatment and complete epithelialization of the primary lesion was achieved in 15 (65%). The mean healing period since the first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session was 16 weeks. Above-ankle amputations were performed in 3 limbs and transmetatarsal amputations in 2 limbs.ConclusionHyperbaric oxygen may be associated with ulcer healing in selected diabetic foot ulcers with impaired cicatrization.     

Concordance of Shape Risk Scale,a new pressure ulcer risk tool,with Braden Scale

The occurrence of pressure ulcers was examined in a cross‐sectional study in 23 health care facilities and in home care involving 548 patients. The screening of pressure ulcer risk was assessed simultaneously using the Braden Scale and the new Shape Risk Scale (SRS), and the results were compared. The overall prevalence of pressure ulcers in the study population was 15·5% (85/548). The Braden Scale was performed as described in the literature. The direct concordance of the Braden and SRS scales was 46%. In more than 90% of cases, the SRS classified patients as well as or better than the Braden Scale. The SRS allocates patients significantly different from the Braden Scale into the risk categories, especially the difference is significant between the low and medium‐risk categories. The greatest advantage of SRS to Braden Scale is that it correctly identifies patients with low risk of pressure ulcers. It is interesting that the two risk scores, taking into consideration the basically different pathophysiological factors, can still give rather similar results. The users considered that both scales are easy to use.