MDRPU -an uncommonly recognized common problem in ICU: A point prevalence study.

BACKGROUND

Pressure ulcers (PU) usually occur over bony prominences in hospitalized patients. But they may occur due to medical devices referred also as Medical device related pressure ulcers (MDRPU). The United States National advisory panel (NPUAP) recognizes it as an important entity. MDRPU is one of the key quality indicators of hospital care, so far no data is available on MDRPU from the Indian Sub-continent.

AIM

The primary objective of the study was to examine prevalence and Risk factors of MDRPU in critically sick patients.

DESIGN

A Cross-sectional point prevalence study.

METHODS

All patients above 18 years of age admitted in Intensive care units (ICU) on the date of the survey were included in the study. It was conducted in medical, cardiothoracic and neurosurgical ICUs. Demographic and MDRPU data were recorded. MDRPU was staged as per National Pressure ulcer advisory panel staging system. Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to the start of the study.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-six patients were included. The prevalence of PU was 26.0%. The prevalence of MDRPU was found to be 19.2%. MDRPUs most commonly occurred with non-invasive ventilation mask (NIV) and nasogastric tube (NGT) (20% and 12.3% respectively). MDRPUs were associated with a longer ICU Stay.

CONCLUSIONS

MDRPUs pose a significant burden on healthcare. Our study showed significant prevalence rate of MDRPU which is comparable to those seen internationally. There is a compelling need to have continuous audits and structured training programs among healthcare professionals to prevent MDRPUs in critically sick patients.