Studying factors related to pressure ulcers prevention: a marginal scale model for modelling heterogeneity among hospitals

Rationale, aims and objectives The purpose of this study was to analyse risk factors associated with the presence of pressure ulcer development in patients referred to several Italian hospitals, taking properly into account the within‐hospital outcome correlation. Methods We analysed data from a prevalence survey coordinated by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel on 12 000 hospitalized patients in Italy, collecting information on patient's risk, presence of ulcers and prevention measures. The article describes the bases which generalized estimating equations rely on as well as their statistical properties. The article compares different model specifications in the light of background knowledge of the survey data and model assumptions, and discusses the potential for this modelling approach to apply in similar statistical situations. Results In accordance with existing literature, factors associated with pressure ulcers in hospitalized patients were identified as Braden scale, age and assistance‐connected aspects. Between‐hospital variability seemed to be explained by the adopted degree of prevention (use of preventive equipment combined with a repositioning strategy). Conclusions Modelling the covariance matrix or the scale argument of the correlated binary responses (presence/absence of pressure ulcers) by using moment estimators based on generalized estimating equations prevents optimistic inference and provides an important insight into the role of structural differences among hospitals.     

Are patients with or at risk of pressure ulcers allocated appropriate prevention measures?

The aims of the study were to investigate the risk for and prevalence of pressure ulcers in different medical care groups, to discover if patients at risk for or with pressure ulcers are allocated appropriate pressure ulcer preventions and to investigate which variables are associated with appropriate pressure ulcer preventions. A cross-sectional survey design was used and followed the methodology developed by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. A total of 612 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of pressure ulcers was greatest in geriatric care, followed by intensive care, acute care and neurological care. The majority of patients at risk for or with pressure ulcers did not receive appropriate preventative measures, either while they were in bed or in a chair. Significant variables associated with appropriate preventions in bed were intensive care, geriatric care, a low Braden score, a low score in the subscale activity and a long hospital stay.     

Non-blanchable erythema as an indicator for the need for pressure ulcer prevention: a randomized-controlled trial

Aims and objectives. To evaluate whether postponing preventive measures until non‐blanchable erythema appears will actually lead to an increase in incidence of pressure ulcers (grades 2–4) when compared with the standard risk assessment method. Background. To distinguish patients at risk for pressure ulcers from those not at risk, risk assessment scales are recommended. These scales have limited predictive validity. The prevention of further deterioration of non‐blanchable erythema (grade 1 pressure ulcer) instead of the standard way of assigning prevention could be a possible new approach. Design. Randomized‐controlled trial. Methods. Patients admitted to surgical, internal or geriatric wards (n = 1617) were included. They were randomly assigned to an experimental and a control group. In the experimental group (n = 826), prevention was started when non‐blanchable erythema appeared, in the control group (n = 791) when the Braden score was <17 or when non‐blanchable erythema appeared. In both groups, patients received identical prevention, either by using a polyethylene–urethane mattress in combination with turning every four hours or by using an alternating pressure air mattress. Pressure points were observed daily and classified according to the four grades of the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel. The Braden scale was scored every three days. Results. In the experimental group, 16% of patients received preventive measures, in the control group 32%. The pressure ulcer incidence (grades 2–4) was not significantly different between the experimental (6·8%) and control group (6·7%). Conclusion. Significantly fewer patients need preventive measures when prevention is postponed until non‐blanchable erythema appears and those patients did not develop more pressure ulcers than patients who received prevention based on the standard risk assessment method. Relevance to clinical practice. Using the appearance of non‐blanchable erythema to allocate preventive measures leads to a considerable reduction of patients in need of prevention without resulting in an increase in pressure ulcers.     

Pressure ulcer prevalence in intensive care patients: a cross-sectional study

Background  Pressure ulcers are a potential complication for intensive care patients and their prevention is a major issue in nursing care. Therefore, this study aims to assess pressure ulcer prevalence in intensive care patients, patients' characteristics and preventive measures related to pressure ulcer prevalence in intensive care patients and to determine the most common body sites of pressure ulcers.
Method  The research design was a cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 1760 patients (298 in 2002, 408 in 2003, 453 in 2004, 368 in 2005 and 233 participants in 2006) from surgical, medical and interdisciplinary intensive care.
Results  The results revealed a mean prevalence rate of ±30% from 2002 to 2005 while it considerably decreased down to 16.2% in 2006. Half of the pressure ulcers were of grade 1. Furthermore, a significant relation was found between the presence of pressure ulcers and age ( P  ≤ 0.022), Braden score ( P  ≤ 0.01) and bowel incontinence ( P  ≤ 0.01).
Conclusion  It is crucial to select appropriate and applicable preventive material/devices and nursing care measures. Moreover, factors related to the presence of pressure ulcers should be taken into consideration in order to prevent development of further pressure ulcers.     

Friction and shear highly associated with pressure ulcers of residents in long‐term care – Classification Tree Analysis (CHAID) of Braden items

Aims Among various risk assessment scales for the development of pressure ulcers in long‐term care residents that have been published in the last three decades, the Braden scale is among the most tested and applied tools. The sum score of the scale implies that all items are equally important. The aim of this study is to show whether specific items are of greater significance than others and therefore have a higher clinical relevance. Design Data analysis of six pressure ulcer prevalence studies (2004–2009). Methods A total of 17 666 residents (response rate 79.6%) in 234 long‐term care facilities participated in 6 annual point prevalence studies that were conducted from 2004 to 2009 throughout Germany. For the classification of the sample regarding pressure ulcers as a dependent variable and the Braden items as predictor variables, Chi‐square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) for modelling classification trees has been used. Results Pressure ulcer prevalence was 5.4% including pressure ulcer grade 1 and 3.4% for pressure ulcer grades 2–4. CHAID analysis for the classification tree provided the item ‘friction and shear’ as the most important predictor for pressure ulcer prevalence. On the second level, the strongest predictors were ‘nutrition’ and ‘activity’ and on the third level they were ‘moisture’ and ‘mobility’. Residents with problems regarding ‘friction and shear’ and poor nutritional status present with an 18.0 (14.8) pressure ulcer prevalence which is 3–4 times higher than average. Conclusion CHAID analyses have shown that all items of the Braden scale are not equally important. For residents in long‐term care facilities in Germany, the existence of ‘friction and shear’ as a potential and especially as a manifest problem has had the strongest association with pressure ulcer prevalence.     

Variation in pressure ulcer prevalence and prevention in nursing homes: A multicenter study

AimTo estimate the prevalence of pressure ulcers in nursing homes and its variability, the frequency of use of preventive measures and treatment.BackgroundPressure ulcer is a frequent pathology across healthcare settings. Most pressure ulcers are preventable and are considered an important quality of care indicator.MethodsAssessments were done on a single day of November 2015 in nursing homes in Geneva, Switzerland. Of the 51 institutions (3824 patients) eligible, 33 homes agreed to participate, representing 2671 patients (69.8%).One referent nurse per nursing home received training on pressure ulcer detection. To estimate the residual variability in prevalence and in number of prevention measures, adjusted multilevel logistic regressions were used.ResultsPatients were on average 85.6 years old, with a median length of stay of 2.1 years. The overall prevalence was 5.7% but varied considerably, from 0% to 19.6%.The variability across nursing homes decreased slightly when taking into account patient-level and institution-level characteristics.In the adjusted models, pressure ulcers prevalence was significantly associated with Braden risk; number of preventive measures was significantly associated with nursing home size, and Braden risk, and marginally associated with length of stay.ConclusionsOverall prevalence of pressure ulcers was relatively low. While several prevention measures for patients at risk were taken, the correct use of all of them was rare.The variability in prevalence and in number of preventive measures across nursing homes was very high. Programmes focusing on the correct use of all recommended prevention measures could help reducing pressure ulcers prevalence.     

Assessing predictive validity of the modified Braden scale for prediction of pressure ulcer risk of orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting

Aims and objectives. To assess and compare the predictive validity of the modified Braden and Braden scales and to identify which of the modified Braden subscales are predictive in assessing pressure ulcer risk among orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting. Background. Although the Braden scale has better predictive validity, literature has suggested that it can be used in conjunction with other pressure ulcer risk calculators or that some other subscales be added. To increase the predictive power of the Braden scale, a modified Braden scale by adding body build for height and skin type and excluding nutrition was developed. Design. A prospective cohort study. Method. A total of 197 subjects in a 106‐bed orthopaedic department of an acute care hospital in Hong Kong were assessed for their risk for pressure ulcer development by the modified Braden and Braden scales. Subsequently, daily skin assessment was performed to detect pressure ulcers. Cases were closed when pressure ulcers were detected. Results. Out of 197 subjects, 18 patients (9·1%) developed pressure ulcers. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the modified Braden scale was 0·736 and for the Braden scale was 0·648. The modified Braden cut‐off score of 19 showed the best balance of sensitivity (89%) and specificity (62%). Sensory perception (Beta = ?1·544, OR=0·214, p = 0·016), body build for height (Beta = ?0·755, OR = 0·470, p = 0·030) and skin type (Beta = ?1·527, OR = 0·217, p = 0·002) were significantly predictive of pressure ulcer development. Conclusion. The modified Braden scale is more predictive of pressure ulcer development than the Braden scale. Relevance to clinical practice. The modified Braden scale can be adopted for predicting pressure ulcer development among orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting. Specific nursing interventions should be provided, with special attention paid to orthopaedic patients with impaired sensory perception, poor skin type and abnormal body build for height.     

Incidence of pressure ulcers in a neurologic intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for pressure ulceration in an intensive care setting, to evaluate the Braden scale as a predictor of pressure ulcer risk in critically ill patients, and to determine whether pressure ulcers are likely to occur early in the hospital stay. DESIGN: Cohort study of patients with no preexisting ulcers with a 3-month enrollment period. SETTING: The neurologic intensive care unit and the neurologic intermediate unit at a primary care/referral hospital with a level I trauma center. PATIENTS: A total of 186 patients entered the study. INTERVENTION: Within 12 hrs of admittance, initial assessment, photographs, and Braden score were completed. Patients were re-examined every 4 days or at discharge from the unit, whichever came first. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determining risk factors for pressure ulcers, performing detailed statistical analyses, and testing the usefulness of the Braden score as a predictor of pressure ulcer risk. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 186 patients developed at least one pressure ulcer (incidence = 12.4%) after an average stay of 6.4 days. The Braden scale, which measures six characteristics of skin condition and patient status, proved to be a primary predictor of ulcer development. No ulcers developed in the 69 patients whose Braden score was 16 or higher. The likelihood of developing a pressure sore was predicted mathematically from the Braden score. However, being underweight was a significant and distinct factor in pressure ulcer development. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure ulcers may develop within the first week of hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Patients at risk have Braden scores of < or = 16 and are more likely to be underweight. These results suggest that aggressive preventive care should be focused on those patients with Braden scores of < or = 13 and/or a low body mass index at admission.     

Incidence, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in intensive care patients: a longitudinal study

Background

Pressure ulcers are common in acute and long-term care. However, critically ill patients usually have multiple risk factors for pressure ulcers.

Objectives

The study was conducted to assess pressure ulcer incidence in intensive care patients, the factors related to pressure ulcer incidence and the course of pressure ulcers after the admission to an intensive care unit.

Design

A longitudinal design.

Setting

This study was carried out in cardiological and surgical intensive care of a general hospital and in a nephrological intensive care of a university hospital.

Participants

All patients admitted to intensive care wards during the period from April until October 2006 were invited to take a part in the study. One hundred and twenty-one patients were involved in the study. The inclusion criteria were adult intensive care patients, males and females, all diagnosis were included. The exclusion criterion was patients whose age less than 18 years.

Method

Each patient was assessed twice; first, upon admission and second upon discharge or death, or after 2 weeks if the patient was still in intensive care. The assessed data included pressure ulcer preventive measures, risk factors using Braden score, pressure ulcer characteristics and treatment. Additionally, incontinence supplies (urine/bowel) if used and the severity of illness using Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II score) were assessd.

Results

This study revealed a total incidence of 3.3% (4.5% in nephrological patients and 2.9% in surgical patients). Sixteen patients with a total of 21 pressure ulcers were admitted to the intensive care units. During the patients’ stay at the intensive care units six pressure ulcers developed newly and five pressure ulcers healed. The mean of the APACHE II score of patients with new pressure ulcers (16.6) were higher than in patients without new pressure ulcers (11.5).

Conclusion

Pressure ulcer incidence is low in this study compared to other studies. Pressure ulcers can be healed in intensive care patients. Using some preventive measures such as foam and alternating air pressure mattresses may help to decrease pressure ulcer development. Hydrocolloid dressing may help to increase the healing rate of pressure ulcers.     

Relation between pressure, friction and pressure ulcer categories: a secondary data analysis of hospital patients using CHAID methods

Background

According to the latest pressure ulcer definition provided by the EPUAP and NPUAP pressure and shear are named as factors causing pressure ulcers. Empirical evidence suggests that pressure forces in combination with shear seem to be primarily responsible for deeper tissue injuries leading to category III or IV pressure ulcers. Superficial frictional forces seem to cause skin lesion resembling category II pressure ulcers.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore the empirical relationships between friction forces and category II pressure ulcers and between pressure forces and categories III and IV pressure ulcers.

Design

A secondary analysis of data from six German annual hospital pressure point prevalence studies.

Settings

161 Hospitals of all specialties and categories throughout Germany.

Participants

28,299 Adult hospital patients. The average age was 65.4 (SD 17.0) years. Female participation was 55.0%.

Methods

For the classification of the sample regarding pressure ulcers as a dependent variable and the Braden scale items as predictor variables, Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) for modelling classification trees, controlled for age, has been used. CHAID analysis was performed for category II pressure ulcers and categories III/IV pressure ulcers separately.

Results

7.5% (95% CI 7.2–7.8) of the hospital patients had “Friction & Shear” problems according to the respective Braden sale item. 5.4% (95% CI 5.1–5.6) were “Completely immobile” according to the Braden scale item “Mobility”. The category “Problem” of the item “Friction & Shear” was the strongest predictor for category II pressure ulcers. Categories III/IV prevalence was 1.9%. Compared to all other Braden scale items there was the strongest association between being completely immobile and deeper categories III/IV pressure ulcers.

Conclusions

Based on a large sample of patients from multiple centres throughout Germany results indicate, that there is a strong relationship between friction forces and superficial skin lesions and between pressure forces and deeper categories III and IV PUs. This indicates that there might be different aetiologies causing different wounds. Given, that both superficial and deep ulcers have different aetiologies the validity of the current PU definition and classification is questionable, because ulcers due to maceration and excoriation are excluded from this classification system.     

Pressure ulcers: validation of two risk assessment scales

Aims and objectives. To compare the predictive value of two pressure ulcer risk assessment scales (Braden and Norton) and of clinical judgement. To evaluate the impact of effective preventive measures on the predictive validity of the two risk assessment scales. Methods. Of the 1772 participating older patients, 314 were randomly selected and assigned to the ‘turning’ group; 1458 patients were assigned to the ‘non‐turning’ group. Using the Braden and the Norton scale the pressure ulcer risk was scored twice weekly during a four‐week period. Clinical assessment was monitored daily. The patients at risk in the ‘turning’ group (Braden score <17 or Norton score <12) were randomly assigned to a two‐hour turning schedule or to a four‐hour turning schedule in combination with a pressure‐reducing mattress. The ‘non‐turning’ group received preventive care based on the clinical judgement of the nurses. Results. The diagnostic accuracy was similar for both scales. If nurses act according to risk assessment scales, 80% of the patients would unnecessarily receive preventive measures. The use of effective preventive measures decreased the predictive value of the risk assessment scales. Nurses predicted pressure ulcer development less well than the Braden and the Norton scale. Only activity, sensory perception, skin condition and existence of old pressure ulcers were significant predictors of pressure ulcer lesions. Relevance to clinical practice. The effectiveness of the Norton and Braden scales is very low. Much needless work is done and expensive material is wrongly allocated. The use of effective preventive measures decreases the predictive value of the risk assessment scales. Although the performance of the risk assessment scales is poor, using a risk assessment tool seems to be a better alternative than relying on the clinical judgement of the nurses.     

The prevalence of pressure ulcers in four paediatric institutions

Aim and objective. Pressure ulcers are a common nursing care issue in hospitals. They are associated with psychological and physical suffering, an increased morbidity and mortality rate and higher overall health care costs. The aim of the current study is to describe the frequency of pressure ulcers in a paediatric care setting and to identify the population at risk, as well as to assess the factors predisposing to the development of pressure ulcers. Design. A point prevalence study. Methods. The study was conducted in four paediatric hospitals in the German‐speaking part of Switzerland and included children from the age of 0–18 years. The method of data collection was a direct systematic inspection and assessment of the skin, taking into account the clinical condition of the patient for risk assessment. A valid risk assessment and data collection instrument was used and, each patient was assessed by a previously instructed rater pair. Results. Of all possible patients, 81% (n = 155) were included. An overall pressure ulcer prevalence of 27·7% (including grade 1) was registered. Thirty‐six patients (84%) had grade 1 ulcers, including many caused by external medical devices. Sixty‐five per cent (n = 100) of all patients were considered at risk (Braden score ≤ 20) of developing a pressure ulcer. Thirty‐five per cent of patients in the risk group were afflicted with one or more pressure ulcers. Conclusions. The prevalence of pressure ulcers in paediatric patients is greater then previously appreciated and the problem requires further exploration. The high percentage of grade 1 pressure ulcers caused by medical devices requires nursing interventions to prevent lesions for these patients. Relevance to clinical practice. The high prevalence rate in paediatric patients is disconcerting and requires further exploration in terms of interventions needed to improve outcomes for this patient group.     

Preventing heel breakdown

The prevalence of heel pressure ulcers is a major health care problem. Heel ulcers develop as a result of pressure, shear, or friction concentrated on a small area over a bony prominence that lacks subcutaneous tissue. Significant risk factors for development of heel breakdown include immobility, age, mental status, nutrition, chronic illness, and orthopaedic surgical procedures, especially hip pinning and hip replacement surgeries. It is important for nurses to identify patients at risk for heel pressure ulcers and to initiate appropriate preventive interventions. This article discusses the etiology of heel pressure ulcers, risk factors, heel assessment, and choice of heel protection devices.     

Validity and reliability of the braden scale and the influence of other risk factors: a multi-centre prospective study

The Braden scale is one of the most intensively studied risk assessment scales used in identifying the risk of developing pressure sores. However, not all studies show that the sensitivity and specificity of this scale is sufficient. This study, therefore, investigated whether adding new risk factors can enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the Braden scale. The Braden scale was tested in a prospective multi-centre design. The nurses of 11 wards filled in the Braden scale every 5 days for each patient who was admitted without pressure sores and who had a probable stay of at least 10 days. Based on a literature study and in-depth interviews with experts, the Braden scale was extended by the risk factor blood circulation. In addition, other risk factors, which are more or less stable patient characteristics, were measured during the admission of the patient. Independent research assistants measured the presence of pressure sores twice a week. As the external criterion for the risk of developing pressure sores, the presence of pressure sores and/or the use of preventive activities was used. Results showed that the original Braden scale was a reliable instrument and that the sensitivity and specificity was sufficient. However, reformulating the factors moisture and nutrition, and adding the risk factor age could enhance the sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, results showed that the factors sensory perception, and friction and shear were especially important risk factors for the Braden scale. In fact, using only the factors sensory perception, friction and shear, moisture (a reformulated factor) and age give the highest explained variance of the risk of developing pressure sores. The added risk factor blood circulation, did not enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the original Braden scale. Suggestions are given on how to use risk assessment scales in practice.     

Using the Braden Q Scale to Predict Pressure Ulcer Risk in pediatric patients

The Braden Q Scale for Predicting Pediatric Pressure Ulcer Risk (Braden Q Scale) is a widely used, valid, and reliable pediatric-specific pressure ulcer risk assessment tool. Since its original publication, requests for clarification on how best to use the tool across the wide spectrum of pediatric patients commonly cared for in health care systems have been received. Common clarifications focus on using the Braden Q Scale as originally designed; specifically, not using untested derivations of the tool, and not using the Braden Q Scale to predict medical device-related pressure damage. The purpose of this article is to provide practical information on how best to use the Braden Q Scale and how to score a pediatric patient's risk for pressure ulcers. Accurate assessment of patient risk for pressure ulcers is the first step in guiding appropriate nursing interventions that prevent pressure ulcers. Patient assessment, scoring, and common clinical scenarios are presented.     

The Effectiveness of Skin Care Protocols for Pressure Ulcers

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.     

Pressure Ulcer Prevalence and Incidence in a Rehabilitation Hospital

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.     

Risk assessment for pressure ulcer in critical patients

Bedridden patients are in risk to developing pressure ulcers and represent a priority group to be studied to identify this condition. To reach this goal, specific instruments are used to assess this problem. The objective of this study was to analyze the risk factors to developing pressure ulcers in adult patients hospitalized in ICUs. This is a sectional analytical study, in which evaluations were performed on 140 patients, hospitalized in 22 ICUs, using the Braden scale. Results showed that patients hospitalized from 15 days or more showed some level of risk. The highest frequencies of pressure ulcers were found in patients in the following categories: sensorial perception (completely limited), moistness (constantly moist), mobility (completely immobilized), activity (bedridden), nutrition (adequate) and friction and shear (problem). In conclusion, the use of this scale is an important strategy when providing care to patients in intensive treatment.