[Occurrence of pressure ulcers in a hospital. Registration of pressure relief and documentation in medical records].

INTRODUCTION

University Centre of Woundhealing, Odense University Hospital (OUH) has conducted a prevalence study of pressure ulcers. The purpose of this article is to present the results of the study.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All patients above the age of 15 years who were in hospital in week 5-6 2008 were included in the study. Six wound nurses and two doctors from the University Centre of Woundhealing undertook the examination. The following were recorded: length of stay, gender, age, number and grade of pressure ulcer(s). The pressure ulcer relief of the patients and documentation in the hospital journals were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 591 inpatients were included. In all, 164 patients were excluded and 427 patients from the project group were examined. 192 patients were found with pressure ulcers of grade 0-IV, corresponding to a prevalence of 32.5%. If grade 0 pressure ulcers were not included, the prevalence was 17.3%.

CONCLUSION

The study showed a high prevalence. There was an overall insufficient pressure ulcer relief of patients and missing documentation in hospital journals.