Authors: Hana Kadhom and Mohammed Alqadi
Background: Assessing the prevalence of pressure ulcers is widely used as a clinical indicator for the standard of care in the Western countries. Unfortunately, there is very little relevant information available in Bahrain. This cross-sectional descriptive study was used to determine a baseline as foundation for further research. Objectives: This study investigated the point prevalence of pressure ulcers in acute care settings in Bahrain where is currently an incremental gap with regards to both, information about the frequency and the quality of sustained care pertaining to the occurrence of pressure ulcers. This research was conducted in order to develop a practical framework for assisting nursing practitioners in developing preventive measures of pressure ulcers care.
Methodology: The study sample included qualified nurses working in four general hospitals who had completed inspection of the skin on their patients. Pediatric, maternity, emergency department, day care and psychiatric unit patients were excluded. Questionnaires were delivered to participating nurses in accordance with the European pressure ulcer advisory panel framework.
Results: Results indicated that the prevalence of pressure ulcers (grade1-4) was 16%. The sacrum and heels were the most affected sites. Sixty-four percent of patients were admitted without any evidence of a risk assessment being undertaken which demonstrated that there is a need to ensure that nurses are better trained to deal with the prevention of pressure ulcers.
Conclusion: A unique aggregated framework and a series of guidelines were formulated to serve as a benchmark for future practice which nursing practitioners in Bahrain may implement as part of routine care to their patients.
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