The global risk of pressure ulcers among elderly patients: initial diagnosis

Abstract

Background. Prevention is the most effective method of reducing the risk of pressure ulcers. Prophylaxisinvolves several actions and procedures that can decrease the risk and aid implementation of rapidtreatment if pressure ulcers develop.Aim. To evaluate the risk of pressure ulcers in elderly patients.

Material and methods. The study group involved patients hospitalized at the Department and Clinic ofGeriatric Medicine in Bydgoszcz: 82 females and 34 males (116 in total). The study used a diagnostic pollmethod with the application of an ADL (Activities of Daily Living) questionnaire to assess daily efficiencyon the basis of the Katz Scale, CDS (Care Dependency Scale) questionnaire to measure the level of caredependency and human needs, and a risk scale for pressure ulcer development devised by D. Norton.

Results. The risk of pressure ulcers was observed in approximately one third of the study subjects (30.2%).Almost a half of the patient group had multiple morbidities. Problems concerning the care of patientswith a high risk of pressure ulcers were usually connected with a lack of independence in changing bodyposition, movement, dressing, and sphincter dysfunction.

Conclusion. There is a correlation between the level of functional capability and the risk of pressureulcers. The accumulation of problems related to the lack of independence in fulfilling the patients’ ownneeds significantly increased the risk of pressure ulcers in the study group.