The first national pressure ulcer prevalence survey in county council and municipality settings in Sweden.

Lena Gunningberg, Ami Hommel, Carina Bååth, Ewa Idvall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim:
To report data from the first national pressure ulcer prevalence survey in Sweden on prevalence, pressure ulcer categories, locations and preventive interventions for persons at risk for developing pressure ulcers.

Methods:
A cross-sectional research design was used in a total sample of 35 058 persons in hospitals and nursing homes. The methodology used was that recommended by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel.

Results:
The prevalence of pressure ulcers was 16.6% in hospitals and 14.5% in nursing homes. Many persons at risk for developing pressure ulcers did not receive a pressure-reducing mattress (23.3-27.9%) or planned repositioning in bed (50.2-57.5%).

Conclusions:
Despite great effort on the national level to encourage the prevention of pressure ulcers, the prevalence is high. Public reporting and benchmarking are now available, evidence-based guidelines have been disseminated and national goals have been set. Strategies for implementing practices outlined in the guidelines, meeting goals and changing attitudes must be further developed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)862-867
JournalJournal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Bibliographical note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Division of Nursing (Closed 2012) (013065000)

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Health Care Service and Management, Health Policy and Services and Health Economy

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