EFFECT OF SKIN INTEGRITY BUNDLE APPLICATION ON PRESSURE ULCER OCCURRENCE FOR PATIENTS IN CRITICAL CARE UNITS

Abstract Background: Pressure ulcers (PUs) have been identified as a worldwide problem that contribute significantly to increasing health care costs, compromise an individual’s health, and in some cases contribute to mortality. Generally, PUs is considered predictable and preventable, thus making them a priority patient safety and risk management issue. Aim: This study aimed to find out the effect of skin integrity care bundle on patient pressure ulcer occurrence in the critical care unit. Design: Quasi-experimental research design (study & control group) was carried out to meet the aim of this study. Setting: This study was conducted in the intensive care units at Sabya General hospital (SGH), Gizan, south region of Kingdome of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Subject: Purposive samples of 120 adult patients were divided into two equal groups; the control group and the study group with 60 patients in each group of both genders. Data collection tools: Data were obtained using three tools; Patient assessment record, Pressure ulcer staging and the Braden Scale score. Results. The results reveals that the highest percentage of subjects their age more than 60 years. In addition, 56.7% of study group & 66,7% of control group subjects were males. There was statistical significant difference between study and control group after the skin care bundle application regarding pressure ulcer stage (p=0.047), mobility (p=0.02), nutrition (0.02), Also, the total Braden scale reveals a statically significant difference between study and control group at one and two weeks after admission Conclusion: this study concluded that skin integrity care bundle had a positive effect in preventing the development of pressure ulcer of patients in critical care unit. Recommendations: Hospitals' policy should enforce the application of skin integrity bundle to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcer. Also, motivate critical care nurses to attend conferences and workshops to update their knowledge and practice regarding the application of skin integrity bundle.