International consensus on pressure injury preventative interventions by risk level for critically ill patients: A modified Delphi study

The aim of this modified Delphi study was to determine a minimum pressure injury preventative intervention set for implementation relative to critically ill patients' risk level. Preventative interventions were identified via systematic review, risk levels categorised by an intensive‐care‐specific risk‐assessment‐scale (COMHON Index), and panel members (n = 67) identified through an international critical care nursing body. Round 1: panel members were asked to rate implementation of 12 interventions according to risk level (low, moderate, high). Round 2: interventions were rated for use at the risk level which received greatest round 1 support. Round 3: interventions not yet achieving consensus were again rated, and discarded where consensus was not reached. Consensus indicated all patients should receive: risk assessment within 2‐hours of admission; 8‐hourly risk reassessment; and use of disposable incontinence pads. Additionally, moderate‐ and high‐risk patients should receive: a reactive mattress support surface and a heel off‐loading device. High‐risk patients should also receive: nutritional supplements if eating orally; preventative dressings (sacral, heel, trochanteric); an active mattress support surface; and a pressure‐redistributing cushion for sitting. Repositioning is required at least 4‐hourly for low‐risk, and 2‐hourly for moderate‐ and high‐risk patients. Rigorous application of the intervention set has the potential to decrease pressure injuries in intensive care.