| Description |
Background: Hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPrIs), defined as injuries to the skin or underlying tissue as a result of pressure or pressure in combination with shear, occur in approximately 6% MICU patients at the University of Utah hospital. HAPrIs are associated with longer length of hospitalization and increased morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for HAPrIs vary based on patient condition; however, little is known about risk factors for HAPrIs in MICU patients with COVID-19. It is possible that the unique physiology of COVID-19, including problems with oxygenation and perfusion and high severity of illness, confer a greater risk for HAPrIs. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine HAPrI risk in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) patients with COVID-19. The specific aim was to identify independent risk factors for HAPrIs. Methods: Retrospective record review was used to identify MICU patients with COVID-19 in one MICU in the Western United States. Adult patients (aged >18) with a positive COVID-19 test who were admitted between March 2020 and April 2021 were included in the study. Patients with pressure injuries present on admission were included in the study because these patients are at risk for subsequent HAPrIs development. Patients with an MICU length of stay <48 hours were excluded from the study because HAPrIs take at least 48 hours to form. HAPrIs were defined according to the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel definition and HAPrIs of any stage were included. Potential predictor variables included demographic factors, shock, Charleson comorbidity score, blood gas and laboratory values, surgical factors, vasopressor infusions, levels of sedation or agitation, Braden Scale scores, and nursing skin assessment data. |
