Classification of pressure sores: 2

Abstract

Many different pressure sore classification scales are used in the UK. They all have differing strengths and weaknesses which may affect their use in research studies, prevalence and incidence surveys, and collaborative care planning. This article the second of a two-part series, examines which scales fit the NHS Executive's (1995) recommendations of practice guidelines for the classification of pressure sores and discusses what evidence is available relating to the validity, reliability and utility of existing classification scales. None of the scales comply fully with the practice guidelines' recommendation that they should be applicable to all skin types, and only two scales have demonstrated fair levels of inter-observer reliability.