The relationship between nurses assessment of early pressure ulcer damage and sub epidermal moisture measurement: A prospective explorative study

Journal of Tissue Viability
Gillian O'BrienTom O'Connor

Abstract

To explore the relationship between nurses' visual assessment of early pressure ulceration and assessment using sub epidermal moisture measurement (a measure of skin and tissue water). A descriptive prospective observational study design was employed. Following ethical approval and written informed consent, data were collected daily, for four weeks, from at risk patients within an acute care facility in Ireland. Data included nurses documented assessment of the patient's skin condition and researcher led sub epidermal moisture measurement, over the sacrum and both heels. A total of 47 patients were included, 38.3% (n = 18) were male and 61.5% (n = 29) were female, with a mean age of 74.7 years. Nineteen patients (40%) developed 21 Stage 1 pressure ulcers and all of these had sustained elevated sub epidermal moisture (SEM) levels before visual signs of damage became evident indicating 100% sensitivity of SEM readings in predicting pressure ulceration. Specificity was 83% with the majority of false positives having insufficient follow-up time. Furthermore a medium correlation between nurses' visual skin assessment (the current gold standard in pressure ulcer detection) and SEM findings (r = .47; p = 0.001) was identified. The mea...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 23, 2020·Wound Repair and Regeneration : Official Publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society·Henry OkonkwoBarbara Ju
Feb 19, 2020·Journal of Wound Care·Amit GefenPeter Worsley
May 18, 2020·Journal of Tissue Viability·Jan KottnerEmily Haesler
Mar 18, 2021·Journal of Wound Care·Louisa MusaGlenn Smith
Apr 25, 2021·Journal of Tissue Viability·Hemalatha JayabalDan L Bader

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.