Pressure Injury Prevention Audit for Geriatrics and Palliative Inpatients in Ripas Hospital (Research Letter)

Author: Zin Mar Tun ; Shyh Poh Teo
Publication Type:Letter
Keywords: Braden Scale; inpatients; pressure ulcer; prevalence; risk assessment
From: Pacific Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;26(1):64-67
CountryPapua New Guinea
Language:English
Abstract: Pressure injuries are areas of localised damage to skin and underlying tissue, usually over bony prominences. Pressure injuries are painful, worsen quality of life, increases hospital length of stay and risk of morbidity and mortality. In Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital, there were previous concerns regarding pressure injuries, prompting service initiatives to improve prevention measures. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, these concerns recurred warranting an audit of pressure injury prevention measures. The audit of routine pressure injury prevention forms in Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine inpatients was performed for 2 weeks. The completion rate of forms was 89.8% and 50% for Geriatrics and Palliative patients respectively. Among the Geriatrics and Palliative inpatients, one-third had pressure injuries before admission, while one-eighth developed them in hospital. The most prevalent risk factors were limited mobility, reduced physical activity and malnutrition.