[Analysis of risk assessment scales for pressure ulcer].
OBJECTIVE
To perform a literature review of the scales and instruments used to assess the risk of developing a pressure ulcer (RPU) in the adult and elderly population and to analyze whether these scales meet the criteria of validity and reliability. To determine whether a specific scale has been developed for use in the domiciliary care setting and adapted to the Spanish environment.


METHODS
We performed a descriptive study with a search of the CUIDEN, IME, CINAHL and MEDLINE databases between January 1990 and December 2005. A specifically-designed form was used to register the variables. Data extraction was performed by a single person. The key words used were pressure ulcer, decubitus ulcer, pressure sore, risk evaluation scales, validity, sensitivity, specificity and reliability and their equivalents in Spanish.


RESULTS
Complete descriptions of 22 instruments and studies of the validity and/or reliability of 15 instruments were found.


CONCLUSIONS
At present, and based on the results of this review, the RPU scale that has shown the greatest validity and reliability is the Braden-Bergstrom scale.
Moreno-Pina
Josefa Patricia
JP
Equipo de Atención Primaria Profesor Jesús Marín, Molina de Segura, Murcia, España. pattimor@ono.com
Richart-Martínez
Miguel
M
Guirao-Goris
Josef Adolf
JA
Duarte-Climents
Gonzalo
G
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D003668:Pressure Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires