Pressure ulcers / injuries
In hospital, nursing home, and community care (home care) acquired pressure ulcers/injuries are adverse events that can be largely prevented. Pressure ulcers/injuries are painful and can lead to long treatment periods and increased social welfare and health care costs.
Data collection
Pressure ulcer/injury follow-up data are collected in one day monthly as point prevalence especially in 24-hour nursing and care units.
National pressure ulcer benchmarking results are compiled by the Wellbeing Services County of North Savo.
Results
Pressure ulcers/injuries are classified internationally according to their severity in category/stage 1 to 4 and in two additional classes and mucous membrane pressure ulcer/injury. First-degree pressure ulcers/injuries can be addressed by preventive measures and the progression of the pressure ulcer/injury can be stopped. Figure 1 shows the percentages of pressure ulcers/injuries of all pressure ulcers for eight quarters (2 years).
In order to promote prevention, identification and development of practices for pressure ulcers/injuries, it is important to regularly monitor the situation of pressure ulcer/injury prevalence in the unit in order to react quickly to changes occurring. The national benchmarking examines the situation at quarterly level. The review distinguishes between hospital acquired (HAPU/HAPI) and unit acquired (UAPU/UAPI) pressure ulcers/injuries. Figure 2 shows the percentage of patients who developed a pressure ulcer during care for eight quarters (2 years).
Especially in hospital conditions, there are many different types of medical devices and equipment used in care. There are also various splints, support and other aids that are used throughout the treatment process from hospital to home. For example, compression stockings can cause a pressure ulcer/injury if they are improperly dressed or do not stay in place. Medical device related pressure ulcers/injuries: results coming soon!
Figure 1. Percentage of Stage 1.-4. and Other pressure ulcers/injuries of all PUs/PIs. 8 quartiles.
Figure 2. Percentage of surveyed patients with Hospital Acquired (HAPU/HAPI) and Unit Acquired (UAPU/UAPI) pressure ulcers/Injuries, and percentage of the patients above whose pressure ulcer/injury was stage 2.-4.
