Predictive Validity of Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scales among Patients in a Trauma Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Purpose : The aims of this study were to identify the incidence of pressure ulcers and to compare the predictive validities of pressure ulcer risk assessment scales among trauma patients. Methods : This was a prospective observational study. A total of 155 patients admitted to a trauma intensive care unit in a university hospital were enrolled. The predictive validity of the Braden, Cubbin & Jackson, and Waterlow scales were assessed based on the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Results : Of the patients, 14 (9.0%) subsequently developed pressure ulcers. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were 78.6%, 75.9%, 24.4%, and 97.3%, respectively, for the Braden scale (cut-off point of 12); 85.7%, 68.8%, 21.4%, and 98.0%, respectively, for the Cubbin & Jackson scale (cut-off point of 26); and 71.4%, 87.2%, 35.7%, and 96.9%, respectively, for the Waterlow scale (cut-off point of 18). The AUCs were 0.88 (Waterlow), 0.86 (Braden), and 0.85 (Cubbin & Jackson). Conclusion : The findings indicate that the predictive validity values of the Waterlow, Braden, and Cubbin & Jackson scales were similarly high. However, further studies need to also consider clinical usefulness of the scales.