Pressure ulcer prevalence, risk, clinical features and outcomes: Evidence from a public tertiary hospital in Athens, Greece

BACKGROUND: Despite technological progress and the implementation of preventive measures, pressure ulcers (PUs) continue to represent a global healthcare issue. Although they constitute a significant challenge for both patients and healthcare systems, they are largely preventable through evidence-based interventions and adherence to clinical practice guidelines. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of pressure ulcers (PUs) among patients hospitalized in a public tertiary hospital in Athens and to identify potential risk factors for their development. METHODS: This was a prospective study. The general prevalence was calculated based on the total hospital census during the study period. Detailed clinical data were then collected from a focused sample of all adult patients hospitalized with one or more PUs (n = 81). RESULTS: Among the total hospital population, the general prevalence of PUs was 14.4%. Within the affected cohort (n = 81), the mean age was 70.8 years (SD = 16 years). Fifty eight percent (58%) of patients presented a first- or second-degree PU. Among patients who were unable to self-care, 41.4% developed two or more pressure ulcers. CONCLUSION: Recognizing the main risk factors, along with the impact of comorbidities and geriatric conditions, is essential for preventing pressure ulcers (PUs). Empowering the nursing team promotes precise risk evaluation, implementation of preventive strategies for skin integrity, and effective management of existing ulcers.