Investigation and analysis on prevalence of hospitalized patients with pressure ulcers

Abstract:

Objective：To calculate the prevalence of pressure ulcer（PrUs） among hospitalized patients，to compare the differences in prevalence between the tertiary hospitals and the secondary hospitals and to contribute to the clinical nursing and the nursing man－agement. Methods：Modified Pressure Ulcer Prevalence Survey form designed by the American Nurses Association Committee was used and self designed questionnaire was applied to investigate prevalence of pressure ulcer among five hospitals in Chongqing. Results：A total of 129 243 hospitalized patients were investigated and total prevalence was 0.18% and 0.19% in the tertiary hospitals and 0.16% in the secondary hospitals. Prevalence of pressure ulcers was higher in intensive care unit（ICU） of the secondary hospitals than in ICU of the tertiary hospitals（P<0.05）. Prevalence of pressure ulcers was the highest in ICU than in the other wards（P<0.01）. Severity of pressure ulcers was more serious in the tertiary hospitals than in the secondary hospitals（P<0.01）. Conclusions：Prevalence of pres－sure ulcers is lower in China than in foreign countries. Concepts of hospitals at all levels should be changed to correctly understand the meanings of prevalence of pressure ulcers. Reporting management system should be improved. Nursing care in the treatment of severe pressure ulcers in the tertiary hospitals should be enhanced at the same time of strengthening the prevention of pressure ulcers.