Pressure Ulcers in Palliative Care Unit Patients

Objective: Pressure ulcers are associated with prolonged lengths of stay, increased costs, and lower discharge rates in palliative care units. This study aimed to reveal pressure ulcers' risk factors, incidence, and prevalence in a palliative care unit. Materials and Methods: The data of 252 inpatients in a secondary-level palliative care unit were examined retrospectively. Patients were divided into groups according to pressure ulcer status, and data was comparatively analyzed. Pressure ulcer prevalence and incidence in the palliative care unit were calculated. Results: There were 137 (54.4%) males and 115 (45.6%) females. The mean age was 67.4 ± 16.7. Most of them were oncology patients (30.6%) and cerebrovascular patients (30.6%). Pressure ulcers' prevalence and incidence were 40.1% and 4.7%, respectively. The Braden score was a median of 13 (5-23). In patients with pressure ulcers, the Braden score and discharge home rate were significantly lower; admission from another intensive care unit, the length of stay, and the treatment costs were significantly higher. Conclusion: Pressure ulcers negatively affect the patient's length of stay in the palliative care unit, the discharge rate to home, and the financial burden on the healthcare system. Pressure ulcer risk analysis and a standardized care plan to prevent and treat pressure ulcers should be performed for cost-effective palliative care.

Keywords:

Palliative care, pressure ulcer, healthcare cost, prevalence incidence,

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