Age Informs the Relationship between Braden Scale Scores and Pressure Injury Development

Hospital acquired pressure injuries (formerly called pressure ulcers) are a serious problem among critical care patients. In the U.S., pressure injury risk and associated care planning have historically been determined using the Braden Scale total score. However, some institutions now use the Braden Scale subscale scores to focus pressure injury prevention efforts. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether risk represented by the subscale scores differs between older versus younger patients. Age should be incorporated with the Braden subscale scores as a factor in care planning, particularly among older individuals with mid-range or higher severity scores in the activity and moisture subscales.