Prevention of pressure injuries in critically ill children: A preliminary evaluation

AimsTo evaluate a prevention strategy implemented to reduce incidence and severity of positioning related pressure injuries affecting pediatric patients in a pediatric critical care unit. Secondary objective was to evaluate compliance with preventive recommendations.BackgroundThe skin in infants or children has important physiological and anatomical differences compared with adults. Further, factors such as the immaturity of the skin and limited activity and mobility in pediatric critical care unit, along with the pressure exerted by medical devices, increases the risk of pressure ulcers in infants and children. The most effective preventive measures specific to this intensive care population need to be evaluated.Material and methodsQuasi-experimental before-after study with consecutive sampling. The effectiveness of the care bundle implementation was evaluated based on the latest evidence (intervention group) versus the application of non-standardized care (control group). Pediatric patients up to 14 years old at risk of suffering from pressure injuries and who were admitted more than 48 h in a pediatric intensive care unit (level III) participated. For the collection of data, two computer programs and the hospital clinical records of each participant were consulted. The data collection period was 6 months per group (pre and post intervention).ResultsA sample of 110 patients was obtained (50 control group and 60 intervention group). The cumulative incidence in pediatric patients exposed to the risk of pressure injuries was reduced from 16% to 13.3%; and in the subgroup of patients with prolonged stay (≥28 days), the incidence was reduced from 55.55% to 20%. In the intervention group, category III and IV pressure ulcers were completely reduced. In addition, the total number of pressure injuries decreased by 21.43%. The care bandle recommendations with the highest level of adhesion recorded were: skin inspection, application of hyperoxygenated fatty acids and use of a special support surface. The main risk factor found during the study was the prone position (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe application of a care bundle for prevention can be an effective solution to reduce the number and severity of LPPs in an intensive care unit. The most vulnerable subgroup of patients may benefit from the application of these resources.