Pressure ulcers (PUs) among hospitalized patients are associated with a poor prognosis and with a high cost of care. Hospitalization in the ICU is a context where there is a high risk of occurrence of PUs, prevention of which is a priority for ICU teams caring for critically ill patients. However, the literature is inconclusive regarding the prevalence of PUs among critically ill patients and the associated risk factors. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of PUs among critically ill patients hospitalized in the ICU. Secondary objectives were to describe means of prevention of PUs in the ICU and the characteristics of PUs, and to identify factors either related to the ICU or patient characteristics associated with occurrence of PUs in the ICU.
The prevalence of and risk factors for pressure ulcers (PUs) in critically ill patients have been poorly studied. The main objective of this study was to describe the prevalence of PUs in critically ill patients. Secondary objectives were to describe PUs, means of prevention of PUs, and factors associated with occurrence of PUs in the ICU.