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. 2009 Apr;6(2):97-104.
doi: 10.1111/j.1742-481X.2009.00593.x.

Dilemmas in measuring and using pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence: an international consensus

Mona M Baharestani  1 , Joyce M Black, Keryln Carville, Michael Clark, Janet E Cuddigan, Carol Dealey, Tom Defloor, Keith G Harding, Nils A Lahmann, Maarten J Lubbers, Courtney H Lyder, Takehiko Ohura, Heather L Orsted, Steve I Reger, Marco Romanelli, Hiromi Sanada
Affiliations

Dilemmas in measuring and using pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence: an international consensus

Mona M Baharestani et al. Int Wound J. 2009 Apr.

Abstract

Pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence data are increasingly being used as indicators of quality of care and the efficacy of pressure ulcer prevention protocols. In some health care systems, the occurrence of pressure ulcers is also being linked to reimbursement. The wider use of these epidemiological analyses necessitates that all those involved in pressure ulcer care and prevention have a clear understanding of the definitions and implications of prevalence and incidence rates. In addition, an appreciation of the potential difficulties in conducting prevalence and incidence studies and the possible explanations for differences between studies are important. An international group of experts has worked to produce a consensus document that aims to delineate and discuss the important issues involved, and to provide guidance on approaches to conducting and interpreting pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence studies. The group's main findings are summarised in this paper.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Role of prevalence and incidence studies in monitoring and developing strategies to reduce pressure ulcer occurrence (19). Reproduced with permission from MEP Ltd.
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