Effectiveness of turning-position intervention in reducing pressure ulcer risk among stroke patients: A quasi-experimental study

Stroke patients who remain immobile for extended periods face a markedly elevated risk of developing pressure ulcers. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured turning position intervention in mitigating pressure ulcer risk among hospitalized stroke patients. The research was carried out with 55 stroke patients at Sayo Common Hospital in Japan, where 67.3% were aged 60 years or older and 70.9% had ischemic stroke. Participants underwent repositioning every two hours for seven consecutive days. Before the intervention, 32.7% of patients were deemed high risk and 40.0% moderate risk for pressure ulcers. After the intervention, 58.2% were categorized as low risk. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant reduction (Z= -2.90; P=0.004). The effect size (r=0.39) indicated a moderate clinical benefit, underscoring meaningful progress in lowering pressure ulcer risk. Repositioning every two hours on a scheduled basis substantially lowered pressure ulcer risk in stroke patients. Structured turning protocols should thus form a routine element of nursing practice in stroke units.