Pressure sore prevalence within a public health services area

• Pressure sores are a great problem for patients, staff and society. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, treatment and prevention of pressure sores in a public health service area in Sweden. Criteria used for pressure sore assessment were persistent discoloration, epithelial damage and damage to the full thickness of the skin, without or with a cavity. The data were collected during 2 weeks in April 1995 from 1173 inpatients. The pressure-sore prevalence rate was 3.75%; 44 patients had a total of 68 sores. Men were as prone to developing pressure sores as women. The most frequently reported preventive measures were antidecubitus mattresses and turning schedules. Relief from pressure and occlusive dressings were the most common treatment measures. There was no statistical difference in pressure-sore prevalence when compared with a similar study from 1980. Patients were, however, older in 1995.

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MEDICIN

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