Prevalence and Incidence of Pressure Injuries in Nursing Homes: Key Findings

R.D. Udeshika Priyadarshani Sugathapala a,b,c,, Sharon Latimer a,b, Aindralal Balasuriya e, Wendy Chaboyer a,b, Lukman Thalib f, Brigid M. Gillespie a,b,d

a SchoolofNursingandMidwifery, GriffithUniversity, GoldCoastCampus,Queensland4222, Australia

b NHMRCCentreofResearchExcellenceinWiserWoundCare, MenziesInstituteofHealthQueensland, GriffithUniversity, Brisbane, QLD,Australia

c DepartmentofNursingandMidwifery, FacultyofAlliedHealthSciences, GeneralSirJohnKotelawalaDefenceUniversity, SriLanka

d GoldCoastUniversityHospitalandHealthService, GoldCoast, QLD, Australia

e DepartmentofParaClinicalSciences, FacultyofMedicine, GeneralSirJohnKotelawalaDefenceUniversity, SriLanka

f Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey

IJNS_2023_pressure_ulcers_nursinghomes.pdf

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A recent study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies explores the significant burden of pressure injuries among older adults residing in nursing homes. This systematic review and meta-analysis, involving 47 studies with over 5 million nursing home residents, provides a comprehensive look at pressure injury prevalence, incidence, and most common sites.

Key Statistics:

• Overall Prevalence: The study found a pooled prevalence rate of 11.6% for pressure

injuries of any stage, with rates as high as 19% in certain regions.

• Incidence Rates: New pressure injuries developed in approximately 14.3% of residents.

• Nursing Home Acquired Injuries: 8.5% of injuries were acquired directly in the

nursing home setting, highlighting the need for stronger preventive measures.

Most Common Sites and Stages:

Stage I and II injuries were most frequent, typically found on the heel, sacrum, and foot. The findings emphasize that residents with limited mobility and advanced age are particularly at risk, pointing to a need for targeted care.

This study underlines the importance of prevention protocols in nursing homes similar to those in hospitals.

At WoundFree, we advocate for early detection and preventive care to protect

vulnerable populations from these avoidable injuries.