Comparison of the incidence of pressure ulcers among patients admitted to the palliative care service from different providers

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of pressure ulcers among centers providing palliative care. Methods: This study was conducted among patients admitted to the palliative care center of the Health Sciences University Bursa High Specialization Training and Research Hospital between 2019 and 2020. Medical data of 217 patients who met the definition of palliative care patients admitted from intensive care, home, and wards were retrospectively scanned. Demographic data, diagnoses, chronic diseases, and characteristics of pressure sores of the patients were recorded. Results: The incidence of pressure ulcers in palliative care patients admitted from intensive care is significantly higher than in patients admitted from home and wards. Conclusions: In intensive care units, it is more difficult to monitor and care for patients who meet the definition of palliative care patients in terms of pressure ulcers compared to homes and wards. Providing this service to patients who meet the definition of palliative care, especially at home, is important for the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers.