Incidence and risk factors for pressure injuries in adults in specialised medical care: a prospective observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries are one of the most important indicators of quality patient care. It is important to identify high-risk patients to guide the implementation of appropriate prevention strategies. This can be done by using an assessment tool that covers the main risk factors for pressure injuries. Aim: The purpose of the study was to describe the incidence of pressure injuries and the associated risk factors among patients assessed with the Prevent Pressure Injury (PPI) risk assessment tool developed by the Helsinki University Hospital. Method: The study was conducted by selecting six wards from medical, surgical and neurological units. The target group were the patients being treated in the study units who gave their informed consent. The research data were retrieved from electronic patient records. Results: From the target group, 332 patients were eligible to participate in the study. The pressure injury risk was found to increase with longer hospital stays and older age. Surgical patients had an increased risk of pressure injuries compared to other specialty fields. A primary diagnosis of musculoskeletal or connective tissue disease, and secondary diagnoses of hypertension and cerebral haemorrhage, were linked with an increased pressure injury risk. A total of nine pressure injuries occurred in nine patients, with an incidence of 2.5% (stages II−IV). Conclusion: The observation and recording of pressure injuries in specialised medical care remain insufficient. Longer hospital stays, older age and surgery increase pressure injury risk. Also, patients' primary and secondary diagnoses may increase the pressure injury risk. Declaration of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.