Stage 4 Sacral Pressure Injuries Among Fully Dependent Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected clinical and support services for older people in Brunei. There was an observed increase in dependent older adults admitted with Stage 4 pressure injuries with underlying osteomyelitis during the first six-months of the pandemic. The nine patients are described, with a high rate of frailty, malnutrition, and clinician concerns regarding care provided at home. All patients were assessed as having moderate pain, needed a prolonged duration of broad spectrum antibiotics in hospital and a high rate of inpatient mortality. Prevention of pressure injuries in the community should be emphasised to reduce the risk of these complications in fully dependent older people, regardless of the pandemic situation.