The prevalence and associated factors of skin tears in Belgian nursing homes: A cross-sectional observational study. Issue 2 (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Tiggelen, Hanne; Van Damme, Nele; Theys, Sofie; Vanheyste, Eline; Verhaeghe, Sofie; LeBlanc, Kimberly; Campbell, Karen; Woo, Kevin; Van Hecke, Ann; Beeckman, Dimitri
• Is Part Of: Journal of tissue viability. Volume 28:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 100
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Skin tear -- Prevalence -- Associated factor -- Elderly -- Skin integrity -- Prevention; Wounds and injuries -- Periodicals; Ulcers -- Periodicals; Bedsores -- Periodicals; Bedsores; Ulcers; Wounds and injuries; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.1406
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2019.01.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-206X

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although skin tears are among the most prevalent acute wounds in nursing homes, their recognition as a unique condition remains in its infancy. Elderly patients are at risk of developing skin tears due to increased skin fragility and other contributing risk factors. In order to provide (cost-) effective prevention, patients at risk should be identified in a timely manner. Objectives: (1) To determine the point prevalence of skin tears and (2) to identify factors independently associated with skin tear presence in nursing home residents. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was set up, including 1153 residents in 10 Belgian nursing homes. Data were collected by trained researchers and study nurses using patient records and skin observations. A multiple binary logistic regression model was designed to explore independent associated factors (significance level α < 0.05). Results: The final sample consisted of 795 nursing home residents, of which 24 presented with skin tears, resulting in a point prevalence of 3.0%. Most skin tears were classified as category 3 (defined as complete flap loss) according to the International Skin Tear Advisory Panel (ISTAP) Classification System and 75.0% were located on the lower arms/legs. Five independent associated factors were identified: age, history of skin tears, chronic use of corticosteroids, dependency for transfers, and use of adhesives/dressings. Conclusions: This study revealed a skin tear prevalence of 3.0% in nursing home residents. Age, history of skin tears, chronic use of corticosteroids, dependency for transfers, and use of adhesives/dressings were independently associated with skin tear presence. Highlights: This study was the first prevalence investigation of skin tears in Belgian nursing homes. Skin tear prevalence was 3.0%. Age, history of skin tears, chronic use of corticosteroids, dependency for transfers, and use of adhesives/dressings were independently associated with skin tear presence. Our findings may enable benchmarking, contribute to timely identification of patients at risk, and support the selection of specific preventive interventions.