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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2019 Apr;16(2):325-333.
doi: 10.1111/iwj.13032. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Independent risk factors for pressure ulcer development in a high-risk nursing home population receiving evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention: Results from a study in 26 nursing homes in Belgium

Charlotte Anrys  1 , Hanne Van Tiggelen  1 , Sofie Verhaeghe  1   2 , Ann Van Hecke  1   3 , Dimitri Beeckman  1   4   5
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Independent risk factors for pressure ulcer development in a high-risk nursing home population receiving evidence-based pressure ulcer prevention: Results from a study in 26 nursing homes in Belgium

Charlotte Anrys et al. Int Wound J. 2019 Apr.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors for pressure ulcer (PU) development in a high-risk nursing home population receiving evidence-based PU prevention. This study was part of a randomised controlled trial examining the (cost-)effectiveness of static air support surfaces compared with alternating pressure air mattresses. The sample consisted of 308 residents at a high risk of PU development (presence of non-blanchable erythema, Braden score ≤ 12 or Braden subscale "mobility" ≤ 2). PU incidence was monitored for 14 days. Demographic variables; functional, physical, and psychological characteristics; and data on skin assessment were collected. Independent risk factors were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis. The overall PU incidence (category II-IV) was 8.4% (n = 26), and 1.9% (n = 6) of the residents developed a deep PU (category III-IV). PUs (category II-IV) were significantly associated with non-blanchable erythema, a lower Braden score, and pressure area-related pain in high-risk residents even if preventive care was provided. These results highlight the need of a systematic risk assessment, including pain assessment and skin observations, in order to determine and tailor preventive care to the needs of high-risk individuals.

Keywords: high-risk population; nursing home; pressure ulcers; prevention; risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

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