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Annals of Internal Medicine Jul 2013Pressure ulcers are associated with substantial health burdens but may be preventable. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pressure ulcers are associated with substantial health burdens but may be preventable.
PURPOSE
To review the clinical utility of pressure ulcer risk assessment instruments and the comparative effectiveness of preventive interventions in persons at higher risk.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE (1946 through November 2012), CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, grant databases, clinical trial registries, and reference lists.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized trials and observational studies on effects of using risk assessment on clinical outcomes and randomized trials of preventive interventions on clinical outcomes.
DATA EXTRACTION
Multiple investigators abstracted and checked study details and quality using predefined criteria.
DATA SYNTHESIS
One good-quality trial found no evidence that use of a pressure ulcer risk assessment instrument, with or without a protocolized intervention strategy based on assessed risk, reduces risk for incident pressure ulcers compared with less standardized risk assessment based on nurses' clinical judgment. In higher-risk populations, 1 good-quality and 4 fair-quality randomized trials found that more advanced static support surfaces were associated with lower risk for pressure ulcers compared with standard mattresses (relative risk range, 0.20 to 0.60). Evidence on the effectiveness of low-air-loss and alternating-air mattresses was limited, with some trials showing no clear differences from advanced static support surfaces. Evidence on the effectiveness of nutritional supplementation, repositioning, and skin care interventions versus usual care was limited and had methodological shortcomings, precluding strong conclusions.
LIMITATION
Only English-language articles were included, publication bias could not be formally assessed, and most studies had methodological shortcomings.
CONCLUSION
More advanced static support surfaces are more effective than standard mattresses for preventing ulcers in higher-risk populations. The effectiveness of formal risk assessment instruments and associated intervention protocols compared with less standardized assessment methods and the effectiveness of other preventive interventions compared with usual care have not been clearly established.
Topics: Bandages; Bedding and Linens; Beds; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Nursing Diagnosis; Patient Positioning; Pressure Ulcer; Risk Assessment; Skin Cream
PubMed: 23817702
DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-159-1-201307020-00006 -
International Wound Journal Aug 2023In most health care centres, pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common concern. This systematic review aimed to summarise nurses' practice and related factors toward PU... (Review)
Review
In most health care centres, pressure ulcers (PUs) are a common concern. This systematic review aimed to summarise nurses' practice and related factors toward PU prevention. An extensive search was conducted on electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database via keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as "Pressure ulcer", "Pressure sore", "Bedsore", "Practice", and "Nurses" from the earliest to 9 March 2022. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS tool). Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed by two researchers independently. A total of 6501 nurses were enrolled in twenty-nine studies. Of the participants, 75.15% were female and 55.64% were single, and 94.57% had a bachelor of science in nursing degree. Mean age and work experience of nurses was 30.69 (SD = 4.73) and 8.61 (SD = 5.44) years, respectively. The mean score of nurses' practices toward the prevention of PUs was 57.58 (SD = 14.62) out of 100. Also, 48.95% of nurses had a desirable practice toward the prevention of PUs. Factors such as knowledge (n = 6), attitude (n = 4), level of education (n = 4), a history of participating in workshops related to the prevention of PUs (n = 3), work experience (n = 2), area of practice (n = 2), self-adequacy (n = 1), follow the literature (n = 1), age (n = 1), and involvement in research (n = 1) had a significant positive relationship with nurses' practice toward PUs prevention. However, the nurses practice of PUs prevention had a significant negative relationship with lack of job satisfaction (n = 1), disproportionate nurse-to-patient ratio (n = 1), and lack of policies and guidelines (n = 1). The level of nurses' practice toward the prevention of PUs was relatively desirable. The result of this study can help improve the practice of nurses toward PUs prevention. Increasing nurses' knowledge and attitude toward PUs prevention can improve their practice. Therefore, it is suggested that policymakers and nursing managers implement PUs prevention education for nurses based on the factors associated with nurses' practice.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Ulcer; Cross-Sectional Studies; Clinical Competence; Pressure Ulcer; Nurses; Suppuration; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36543328
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14062 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2022Pressure ulcers (PUs) are an indicator of the quality of nursing care and nurses can prevent PUs well if they have sufficient knowledge. Numerous studies in this field... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pressure ulcers (PUs) are an indicator of the quality of nursing care and nurses can prevent PUs well if they have sufficient knowledge. Numerous studies in this field have reported different results. The aim of this study was to estimate the pooled score of nurses' knowledge about PU prevention based on the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool (PUKAT).
METHODS
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, databases including Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus were searched. All studies published in English between 2011 and 2022 that reported the status of nurses' knowledge of PU prevention based on PUKAT were included in the analysis. Based on heterogeneity between the studies, the data were analyzed using a random effects model.
RESULTS
The pooled scores of PU prevention knowledge in nurses and nursing students were (51.5%; 95% CI: 45.8-57.2%) and (48.9%; 95% CI: 42.5-55.2%), respectively. As the age of the participants increased, the pooled score of pressure ulcer prevention knowledge increased significantly ( = 0.028). The publication bias was not significant. The highest and lowest knowledge scores in nurses and nursing students were related to the fourth dimension (nutrition) and the fifth dimension (preventive measures to reduce the amount of pressure/shear), respectively.
CONCLUSION
Knowledge of nurses and nursing students about PU prevention is insufficient. Providing regular training to nurses and including the principles of PU prevention in the curriculum of nursing students to improve their knowledge seems necessary.
Topics: Clinical Competence; Curriculum; Humans; Pressure Ulcer; Students, Nursing; Suppuration
PubMed: 36159260
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.964680 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Oct 2021Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one of the new modality for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. In this article we will investigate the efficacy and safety... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is one of the new modality for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. In this article we will investigate the efficacy and safety of it by literature search and meta-analysis.
METHODS
The databases of PubMed, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane library were selected as search platforms. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published after 2010 were searched with the keyword "vacuum-assisted closure therapy" OR "negative pressure wound therapy" OR "diabetic foot". The Cochrane Review Handbook was used to assess the bias of the literatures. The software RevMan 5.4 was used for analysis to obtain a forest plot and funnel plot.
RESULTS
In this study, 363 articles were initially screened, and 9 literatures were finally included, involving a total of 943 patients. Combined analysis using the fixed effects model showed that the healing rate of the NPWT group was significantly lower than the standard group [odds ratio (OR) =3.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.38 to 5.45, P<0.001]. The granulation tissue formation time of the NPWT group was significantly less than the standard group [mean difference (MD) =-8.95, 95% CI: -10.26 to -7.64, P<0.001]. The rate of adverse events of both groups showed no significant difference (OR =0.49, 95% CI: 0.10 to 2.42, P=0.38). The amputation rate of both groups showed no statistically significant (OR =0.33, 95% CI: 0.09 to 1.26, P=0.10) too.
DISCUSSION
Negative pressure wound therapy can effectively accelerate wound healing, it is equally safe with general routine treatment. However, the negative pressure value should be appropriately maintained and adjusted to avoid bleeding tendency of the wound when applying this new modality.
Topics: Diabetes Mellitus; Diabetic Foot; Humans; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; Wound Healing
PubMed: 34763444
DOI: 10.21037/apm-21-2476 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2015Pressure ulcers (i.e. bedsores, pressure sores, pressure injuries, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue. They are common in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Pressure ulcers (i.e. bedsores, pressure sores, pressure injuries, decubitus ulcers) are areas of localised damage to the skin and underlying tissue. They are common in the elderly and immobile, and costly in financial and human terms. Pressure-relieving support surfaces (i.e. beds, mattresses, seat cushions etc) are used to help prevent ulcer development.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review seeks to establish:(1) the extent to which pressure-relieving support surfaces reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers compared with standard support surfaces, and,(2) their comparative effectiveness in ulcer prevention.
SEARCH METHODS
In April 2015, for this fourth update we searched The Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 15 April 2015) which includes the results of regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2015, Issue 3).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials, published or unpublished, that assessed the effects of any support surface for prevention of pressure ulcers, in any patient group or setting which measured pressure ulcer incidence. Trials reporting only proxy outcomes (e.g. interface pressure) were excluded. Two review authors independently selected trials.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data were extracted by one review author and checked by another. Where appropriate, estimates from similar trials were pooled for meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
For this fourth update six new trials were included, bringing the total of included trials to 59.Foam alternatives to standard hospital foam mattresses reduce the incidence of pressure ulcers in people at risk (RR 0.40 95% CI 0.21 to 0.74). The relative merits of alternating- and constant low-pressure devices are unclear. One high-quality trial suggested that alternating-pressure mattresses may be more cost effective than alternating-pressure overlays in a UK context.Pressure-relieving overlays on the operating table reduce postoperative pressure ulcer incidence, although two trials indicated that foam overlays caused adverse skin changes. Meta-analysis of three trials suggest that Australian standard medical sheepskins prevent pressure ulcers (RR 0.56 95% CI 0.32 to 0.97).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
People at high risk of developing pressure ulcers should use higher-specification foam mattresses rather than standard hospital foam mattresses. The relative merits of higher-specification constant low-pressure and alternating-pressure support surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers are unclear, but alternating-pressure mattresses may be more cost effective than alternating-pressure overlays in a UK context. Medical grade sheepskins are associated with a decrease in pressure ulcer development. Organisations might consider the use of some forms of pressure relief for high risk patients in the operating theatre.
Topics: Bedding and Linens; Beds; Humans; Pressure Ulcer; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26333288
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001735.pub5 -
International Wound Journal Oct 2019The effective approach on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention regarding patient safety in the hospital context was evaluated. Studies were identified from searches in EBSCO... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The effective approach on pressure ulcer (PU) prevention regarding patient safety in the hospital context was evaluated. Studies were identified from searches in EBSCO host, PubMed, and WebofScience databases from 2009 up to December 2018. Studies were selected if they were published in English, French, Portuguese, or Spanish; incidence of PUs was the primary outcome; participants were adults (≥18 years) admitted in hospital wards and/or units. The review included 26 studies. Studies related to prophylactic dressings applied in the sacrum, trochanters, and/or heels, education for health care professionals, and preventive skin care and system reminders on-screen inpatient care plan were effective in decreasing PUs. Most of the studies related to multiple intervention programmes were effective in decreasing PU occurrence. Single interventions, namely support surfaces and repositioning, were not always effective in preventing PUs. Repositioning only was effective when supported by technological pressure-mapping feedback or by a patient positioning system. Risk-assessment tools are not effective in preventing PUs. PUs in the hospital context are still a worldwide issue related to patient safety. Multiple intervention programmes were more effective in decreasing PU occurrence than single interventions in isolation. Single interventions (prophylactic dressings, support surfaces, repositioning, preventive skin care, system reminders, and education for health care professionals) were effective in decreasing PUs, which was always in compliance with other preventive measures. These results provide an overview of effective approaches that should be considered when establishing evidence-based guidelines to hospital health care professionals and administrators for clinical practice effective in preventing PUs.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Bandages; Case-Control Studies; Dermatologic Agents; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hospitalization; Humans; Inpatients; Male; Patient Positioning; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pressure Ulcer; Primary Prevention; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Severity of Illness Index; Skin Care; Time Factors; Wound Healing
PubMed: 31264345
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13147 -
Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common risk in mechanically ventilated patients. Different care bundles have been proposed to succeed VAP reduction. We... (Review)
Review
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common risk in mechanically ventilated patients. Different care bundles have been proposed to succeed VAP reduction. We aimed to identify the combined interventions that have been used to by ICUs worldwide from the implementation of "Institute for Healthcare Improvement Ventilator Bundle", i.e., from December 2004. A search was performed on the PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct databases. Finally, 38 studies met our inclusion criteria. The most common interventions monitored in the care bundles were sedation and weaning protocols, semi-recumbent positioning, oral and hand hygiene, peptic ulcer disease and deep venus thrombosis prophylaxis, subglottic suctioning, and cuff pressure control. Head-of-bed elevation was implemented by almost all studies, followed by oral hygiene, which was the second extensively used intervention. Four studies indicated a low VAP reduction, while 22 studies found an over 36% VAP decline, and in ten of them, the decrease was over 65%. Four of these studies indicated zero or nearly zero after intervention VAP rates. The studies with the highest VAP reduction adopted the "IHI Ventilator Bundle" combined with adequate endotracheal tube cuff pressure and subglottic suctioning. Multifaced techniques can lead to VAP reduction at a great extent. Multidisciplinary measures combined with long-lasting education programs and measurement of bundle's compliance should be the gold standard combination.
PubMed: 36830138
DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020227 -
JMIR Medical Informatics Oct 2020The clinical decision-making process in pressure ulcer management is complex, and its quality depends on both the nurse's experience and the availability of scientific... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The clinical decision-making process in pressure ulcer management is complex, and its quality depends on both the nurse's experience and the availability of scientific knowledge. This process should follow evidence-based practices incorporating health information technologies to assist health care professionals, such as the use of clinical decision support systems. These systems, in addition to increasing the quality of care provided, can reduce errors and costs in health care. However, the widespread use of clinical decision support systems still has limited evidence, indicating the need to identify and evaluate its effects on nursing clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of the review was to identify the effects of nurses using clinical decision support systems on clinical decision making for pressure ulcer management.
METHODS
The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) recommendations. The search was conducted in April 2019 on 5 electronic databases: MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Cochrane, and CINAHL, without publication date or study design restrictions. Articles that addressed the use of computerized clinical decision support systems in pressure ulcer care applied in clinical practice were included. The reference lists of eligible articles were searched manually. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies.
RESULTS
The search strategy resulted in 998 articles, 16 of which were included. The year of publication ranged from 1995 to 2017, with 45% of studies conducted in the United States. Most addressed the use of clinical decision support systems by nurses in pressure ulcers prevention in inpatient units. All studies described knowledge-based systems that assessed the effects on clinical decision making, clinical effects secondary to clinical decision support system use, or factors that influenced the use or intention to use clinical decision support systems by health professionals and the success of their implementation in nursing practice.
CONCLUSIONS
The evidence in the available literature about the effects of clinical decision support systems (used by nurses) on decision making for pressure ulcer prevention and treatment is still insufficient. No significant effects were found on nurses' knowledge following the integration of clinical decision support systems into the workflow, with assessments made for a brief period of up to 6 months. Clinical effects, such as outcomes in the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers, remain limited in the studies, and most found clinically but nonstatistically significant results in decreasing pressure ulcers. It is necessary to carry out studies that prioritize better adoption and interaction of nurses with clinical decision support systems, as well as studies with a representative sample of health care professionals, randomized study designs, and application of assessment instruments appropriate to the professional and institutional profile. In addition, long-term follow-up is necessary to assess the effects of clinical decision support systems that can demonstrate a more real, measurable, and significant effect on clinical decision making.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42019127663; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=127663.
PubMed: 33064099
DOI: 10.2196/21621 -
Medicina Intensiva 2017Pressure ulcers represent a significant problem for patients, professionals and health systems. Their reported incidence and prevalence are significant worldwide. Their... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Pressure ulcers represent a significant problem for patients, professionals and health systems. Their reported incidence and prevalence are significant worldwide. Their character iatrogenic states that its appearance is preventable and its incidence is an indicator of scientific and technical quality both in primary care and specialized care. The aim of this review was to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients.
METHODOLOGY
The PRISMA Declaration recommendations have been followed and adapted to studies identifying risk factors. A qualitative systematic review of primary studies has been performed and a search was conducted of the PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Methodological limitations in observational studies have been considered.
RESULTS
From 200 references, 17 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. These studies included 19,363 patients admitted to intensive care units. Six studies were classified as high quality and 11 were classified as moderate quality. Risk factors that emerged as predictive of pressure ulcers development more frequently included age, length of ICU stay, diabetes, time of MAP <60-70mmHg, mechanical ventilation, length of mechanical ventilation, intermittent haemodialysis or continuous veno-venous haemofiltration therapy, vasopressor support, sedation and turning.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no single factors which can explain the occurrence of pressure ulcers. Rather, it is an interplay of factors that increase the probability of its development.
Topics: Critical Illness; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Pressure Ulcer; Risk Factors
PubMed: 27780589
DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2016.09.003 -
International Journal of Nursing Studies Jul 2013To identify risk factors independently predictive of pressure ulcer development in adult patient populations? (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To identify risk factors independently predictive of pressure ulcer development in adult patient populations?
DESIGN
A systematic review of primary research was undertaken, based upon methods recommended for effectiveness questions but adapted to identify observational risk factor studies.
DATA SOURCES
Fourteen electronic databases were searched, each from inception until March 2010, with hand searching of specialist journals and conference proceedings; contact with experts and a citation search. There was no language restriction.
REVIEW METHODS
Abstracts were screened, reviewed against the eligibility criteria, data extracted and quality appraised by at least one reviewer and checked by a second. Where necessary, statistical review was undertaken. We developed an assessment framework and quality classification based upon guidelines for assessing quality and methodological considerations in the analysis, meta-analysis and publication of observational studies. Studies were classified as high, moderate, low and very low quality. Risk factors were categorised into risk factor domains and sub-domains. Evidence tables were generated and a summary narrative synthesis by sub-domain and domain was undertaken.
RESULTS
Of 5462 abstracts retrieved, 365 were identified as potentially eligible and 54 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The 54 studies included 34,449 patients and acute and community patient populations. Seventeen studies were classified as high or moderate quality, whilst 37 studies (68.5%) had inadequate numbers of pressure ulcers and other methodological limitations. Risk factors emerging most frequently as independent predictors of pressure ulcer development included three primary domains of mobility/activity, perfusion (including diabetes) and skin/pressure ulcer status. Skin moisture, age, haematological measures, nutrition and general health status are also important, but did not emerge as frequently as the three main domains. Body temperature and immunity may be important but require further confirmatory research. There is limited evidence that either race or gender is important.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall there is no single factor which can explain pressure ulcer risk, rather a complex interplay of factors which increase the probability of pressure ulcer development. The review highlights the limitations of over-interpretation of results from individual studies and the benefits of reviewing results from a number of studies to develop a more reliable overall assessment of factors which are important in affecting patient susceptibility.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Pressure Ulcer; Risk Factors
PubMed: 23375662
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.11.019