Risk Factors for Pressure Injury in ICU Patients

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the specific risk factors associated with the development of hospital-acquired pressure injuries in critically ill patients. Design: A retrospective case–control study. Methods: Using evidence-based and Delphi methods, 36 potential risk factors for HAPI in critically ill patients were identified. Data were collected from non-COVID patients admitted to the ICU of Huzhou from January 2019 to December 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant risk factors. Results: A total of 197 patients were included, with 53 (26.9%) developing HAPI. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences across 25 variables, including patient-specific factors, tissue tolerance and correlation scores. Multivariate analysis identified co-morbidities (OR = 3.16), a MEWS score ≥ 5 (OR = 5.83), use of sedative drugs (OR = 2.28), low Braden nutritional score (OR = 4.05), skin oedema (OR = 4.60) and faecal incontinence (OR = 13.17) as independent risk factors for HAPI in critically ill patients. No Patient or Public Contribution: To mitigate HAPI risks, nursing staff should prioritise monitoring high-risk patients, perform comprehensive risk assessments and implement timely, targeted interventions to enhance patient care and reduce adverse events. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05564975.