A systematic review investigating the effectiveness of interventions in preventing stage 1 and 2 pressure injury of hospitalized elderly patients

Abstract

Pressure injuries are now the third most costly disease after cancer and cardiovascular disease. Around 60,000 deaths occur annually from the complications of pressure injuries. Pressure injuries are preventable but frequently result in adverse events or severe complications such as infection when developed. This study aims to determine which interventions prevent hospitalized-acquired pressure injuries and are more effective in hospitalized elderly patients. The design used in this study is a systematic review. As presented, it summarizes the studies that were analyzed in the effective interventions in the prevention of pressure injuries in hospitalized elderly patients. Multiple interventions include healthcare professionals’ teamwork measures, education of the healthcare staff, use of risk-assessment tools, offloaded heels or bony prominences, repositioning, and assessment of the nutritional status and the skin. Increasing staff knowledge and patient and family involvement improved health outcomes. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of hospitalized-acquired pressure injuries in elderly patients.