A review of PU prevalence and incidence across Scandinavia, Iceland and Ireland (Part I).

OBJECTIVE

To provide a critical appraisal and synthesis of the published literature pertaining to pressure ulcer (PU) prevalence, incidence and prevention practices from the context of Scandinavia, Iceland and Ireland.

METHOD

An integrative research review following Cooper's five stages. Studies published in peer-reviewed journals, involving any study design, but specifically exploring PU prevalence or incidence in adults or children, in any care setting, were included.

RESULTS

Fifty-five papers were data extracted, quality appraised and included in the qualitative synthesis of the review. Mean prevalence in Norway was 17% (4.8-29%) in Ireland was 16% (4-37%), in Denmark was 15% (2.2-35.5%) and in Sweden was 25%, (0.04-42.7%). Prevalence in Iceland was 8.9%. In acute care, mean prevalence was 21% (0-42.7%) and in long stay was 12% (2.4-23.7%). Prevalence among hospice patients was 35.7%, and in community care was 0.04% and 4%. No incidence study from Iceland was identified; the single incidence study from Norway noted a figure of 16.4%. The mean incidence from Ireland was 11% (8-14.4%) from Sweden was 20% (3.1-49%) and Denmark was 1.8% (1.4-2.7%). Mean incidence in acute care setting was 17.6%, (1.4-49%); in long stay was 6.63% (3.1-8.4%). Incidence in the hospice setting was 20.4%. No study reported PU incidence figures from the community setting.

CONCLUSION

Figures for both prevalence and incidence were similar in Ireland and Norway and highest in Sweden, whereas Denmark demonstrated the lowest incidence rates and Iceland demonstrated the lowest prevalence rates. Figures were consistently highest in acute care and hospice settings, and lowest in the care of the older person setting.