title: Identifying the characteristics of children with pressure ulcers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the characteristics of children with pressure ulceration so that those at risk may be identified in future.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multicentre survey was undertaken in 11 hospitals to ascertain the incidence, severity and position of pressure ulcers in paediatric inpatients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The most frequently reported ulcer grade involved blistering of the skin or a superficial skin break. The most frequent site was the sacrum or buttocks, heel, thigh, ear, occipital scalp, malleolus and spine. In 50 per cent (n=27) of children, pressure ulcers could be associated with equipment pressing or rubbing on the skin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Risk assessment tools designed specifically for children are needed, and more research should be undertaken to confirm the characteristics that increase children's risk of pressure ulceration and to establish the significance of individual characteristics.
authors.affiliation: School of Care Sciences, University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Willock
authors.forename: Ceri
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Juanita
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Poole
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires