[Pressure in nursing care: Outcomes of a prevalence study of pressure ulcers in Austrian hospitals and nursing homes].

For decades pressure ulcers have been internationally serious and frequent nursing relevant problems. It causes enormous suffering to the affected and high costs for society. Prevalence studies about pressure ulcers indicate the extent of this disease. Subsequently targeted measures can be planned in order to prevent pressure ulcers. There are already some international prevalence surveys of pressure ulcers, which reported prevalence data from 0.06 per cent to 83.6 per cent in hospitals and nursing homes. A comparison of these studies is limited due to their differences in methodology, population and the definition of prevalence and pressure ulcer. Prevalences for pressure ulcers were hardly available so far in Austria. Therefore in the context of the National Prevalence Survey Care-related Data (LPZ) prevalence data, quality indicators and data on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers were standardized collected with a scientifically tested questionnaire for the first time in austrian health institutions. This survey entitles to compare the results between participating institutions and countries. 2353 hospital patients and nursing home residents in 17 austrian institutions participated. The prevalence in the risk group was 12.2 per cent (excluding grade one pressure ulcer: eight percent) forthe patients and seven per cent (excluding grade one pressure ulcer: 5.9 Prozent) for the residents. Most of the wounds were acquired on the heels. This study also found that prevention activities of pressure ulcers were used more often in the nursing homes than in hospitals. Compared to the prevalence of published studies the identified prevalence of pressure ulcers is low. Regular participation in prevalence surveys is advisable, so that institutions examine themselves objectively in terms of quality of care as well.