Pressure ulcer risk assessment--simple or complex?

A descriptive comparison study was carried out to determine whether there was a difference between a staff nurse's single-item pressure ulcer risk assessment and a risk assessment using the Braden Scale. Seventy-two medical patients participated in the study. Statistical analysis of the data indicated nurses were accurate in predicting pressure ulcer risk with a simple YES/NO answer. The mean Braden Score for those patients indicated at risk by the nurse was 14.45, and 20.24 for those assessed to be not at risk. This study indicates that nurses' good judgement is as reliable as more complicated tools in determining pressure ulcer risk. Further studies comparing risk assessment tools are recommended.