Multi-center study on prevention condition of skin tears in level-III hospitals

Objective To analyze the prevention condition of skin tears of inpatients in level-III hospitals, so as to provide basis for making prevention strategies. Methods 14 level-III hospitals were involved in the cross-section survey. Within the same time period, using the same research tools, methods and procedure, 964 trained nurses inspected patients from head to toes, who were selected by convenience sampling, with hospital stay ≥ 24 h, with age ≥ 18 years old, and with signature on the informed consent documents, and also investigated implementation of prevention measures. Results A total of 18 806 effective cases were obtained, with 238 locations of skin tears in 199 patients found. Incidence of hospital-acquired skin tears was 1.06%. Implementation rate of risk assessment and nutrients and water supplement was 3.92% and 10.35%. Implementation rate of prevention of falling and falling down from bed was 51.58% and 47.20%. Usage of assistant tools and emollients accounted for 28.23% and 2.69%. Adopting suitable moving techniques and wearing long sleeves, trousers or long stockings accounted for 8.07% and 6.95%. Differences of incidence rate, risk assessment and implementation of prevention measures of skin tears among teaching hospitals, comprehensive hospitals and specialty hospitals were statistically meaningful (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions Risk assessment and prevention of skin tears in these 14 level-III hospitals were not satisfactory. Prevention measures vary from different types of the hospitals. In future, nurses should be trained to strengthen awareness of risk assessment and prevention, and implementation rate and consistency of preventive measures should be improved. Key words: Skin tears; Prevention; Cross-section study