Medical device-related pressure injuries in paediatric patients: An incidence study in a children's hospital

Abstract

Aim: To determine the incidence of pressure injuries from medical devices in children.

Background: Medical devices can cause pressure injuries on skin and soft tissues.

Design: A prospective, descriptive study adhering to STROBE guidelines.

Methods: This study was conducted in the third-level Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Ege University Hospital in İzmir, Türkiye between April 2019 and October 2019 in Türkiye. Patients aged between 1 month and 18 years with medical devices were observed for pressure injuries using Braden scales and a specific monitoring form.

Results: In this study, we followed 522 medical devices applied to 96 patients. The three most commonly used medical devices were the ECG probe (21%), the blood pressure cuff (16%) and the saturation probe. Out of the 522 medical devices followed, 36 caused pressure injuries (6.8%).

Conclusion: The incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries was found to be high. Effective training and implementation strategies need to be devised for paediatric nurses to prevent pressure injuries associated with medical devices.

Relevance to clinical practice: The results of this study reveal that pressure injuries related to medical devices are an important health problem in paediatric hospitals. Therefore, awareness-raising and educational activities among health professionals and nurses should be accelerated.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution in the study.

Keywords: incidence; medical devices; paediatric patients; pressure injuries.