Prevalence, incidence, and prediction of pressure ulcers on a rehabilitation unit.
OBJECTIVE
This retrospective chart review study was conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers, and the contribution of known risk factors toward the predicted occurrence of pressure ulcers in a long-term rehabilitation setting.


METHODS
A continuous series of 170 adult men with a mean age of 69.2 years were studied during a 1-year period.


METHODS
Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively for risk factors and documentation of pressure ulcer development by 1 researcher on a data recording form.


RESULTS
The pressure ulcer prevalence was 12% and the incidence over the 1-year observation period 6%. Using the odds ratio test, significant risk factors in the sample were identified as hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio = 11:1), low diastolic blood pressure (odds ratio = 4.6:1), stool and urine incontinence (odds ratio = 1.5:1), and peripheral edema (odds ratio = 3.5:1).


CONCLUSIONS
Specific characteristics in this sample of patients in a long-term rehabilitation center contributed to the increased risk for pressure ulcer development. Risk assessment based on knowledge of specific risk factors, prevention, and early intervention is crucial to lowering the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers in this setting.
Schue
R M
RM
Restorative Care, Veterans Administration Hospital, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.
Langemo
D K
DK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006757:Hospital Units; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D009731:Nursing Audit; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs