The Harmonization of Braden Scale Assessments with Planned Interventions in Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Sa？etak Introduction: The Braden scale is a tried and tested pressure ulcer risk assessment scale. It is part of nursing documentation in the Republic of Croatia and is used in all hospitals as a tool for pressure ulcer risk assessment. By using the Braden scale, nurses can determine which interventions should be performed to prevent pressure ulcers. Aim: A prospective study was conducted in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit during one month, with the goal of determining the harmonization level between the Braden scale assessment and the planned interventions for the nursing diagnosis of “high risk of pressure ulcers”. The aim was also to determine if the Braden scale assessment is used for all admitted patients, if the Braden scale assessment is used daily for all patients and if nursing care plans are made for patients who have a risk of pressure ulcer development. Methods: A form was created for the purpose of conducting this study. The form contains patient data on sex, admission and discharge dates, as well as data regarding the Braden scale assessment at the moment of admission, during the stay in the ICU and at discharge. Results: The study included 23 patients. 20 patients had pressure ulcer risk as assessed by the Braden scale. For 8 patients, a nursing care plan for “high risk of pressure ulcers” was written and interventions were conducted that showed very good harmonization with the parameters of the Braden scale. Conclusion: Although the Braden scale is a pressure ulcer risk assessment tool, the study shows broader application possibilities. This refers to the possibility of using the parameters of the Braden scale as guidance for choosing interventions