Assessing predictive validity of the modified Braden scale for prediction of pressure ulcer risk of orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting

Aims and objectives. To assess and compare the predictive validity of the modified Braden and Braden scales and to identify which of the modified Braden subscales are predictive in assessing pressure ulcer risk among orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting. Background. Although the Braden scale has better predictive validity, literature has suggested that it can be used in conjunction with other pressure ulcer risk calculators or that some other subscales be added. To increase the predictive power of the Braden scale, a modified Braden scale by adding body build for height and skin type and excluding nutrition was developed. Design. A prospective cohort study. Method. A total of 197 subjects in a 106‐bed orthopaedic department of an acute care hospital in Hong Kong were assessed for their risk for pressure ulcer development by the modified Braden and Braden scales. Subsequently, daily skin assessment was performed to detect pressure ulcers. Cases were closed when pressure ulcers were detected. Results. Out of 197 subjects, 18 patients (9·1%) developed pressure ulcers. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the modified Braden scale was 0·736 and for the Braden scale was 0·648. The modified Braden cut‐off score of 19 showed the best balance of sensitivity (89%) and specificity (62%). Sensory perception (Beta = ?1·544, OR=0·214, p = 0·016), body build for height (Beta = ?0·755, OR = 0·470, p = 0·030) and skin type (Beta = ?1·527, OR = 0·217, p = 0·002) were significantly predictive of pressure ulcer development. Conclusion. The modified Braden scale is more predictive of pressure ulcer development than the Braden scale. Relevance to clinical practice. The modified Braden scale can be adopted for predicting pressure ulcer development among orthopaedic patients in an acute care setting. Specific nursing interventions should be provided, with special attention paid to orthopaedic patients with impaired sensory perception, poor skin type and abnormal body build for height.     

Predictive validity of the Braden Scale,Norton Scale,and Waterlow Scale in the Czech Republic

The aim of this study was to determine the predictive validity of the Braden, Norton, and Waterlow scales in 2 long‐term care departments in the Czech Republic. Assessing the risk for developing pressure ulcers is the first step in their prevention. At present, many scales are used in clinical practice, but most of them have not been properly validated yet (for example, the Modified Norton Scale in the Czech Republic). In the Czech Republic, only the Braden Scale has been validated so far. This is a prospective comparative instrument testing study. A random sample of 123 patients was recruited. The predictive validity of the pressure ulcer risk assessment scales was evaluated based on sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The data were collected from April to August 2014. In the present study, the best predictive validity values were observed for the Norton Scale, followed by the Braden Scale and the Waterlow Scale, in that order. We recommended that the above 3 pressure ulcer risk assessment scales continue to be evaluated in the Czech clinical setting.     

Comparing Norton, Braden and Waterlow risk assessment scales for pressure ulcers in spinal cord injuries

When pressure ulcers occur health care services are faced with considerable challenges and costs. Additionally these ulcers cause significant physical and psycho-social impairment for patients and their families. The complexity of pressure ulcer management is widely acknowledged in the literature. However, the applicability of the major risk assessment scales in the context of spinal cord injury has not been explored. Retrospective case history audit of individuals with pressure ulcers provided data to compare the three commonly used Norton, Braden and Waterlow scales. Waterlow's scale was the most sensitive of the three scales compared.     

Pressure ulcers: validation of two risk assessment scales

Aims and objectives. To compare the predictive value of two pressure ulcer risk assessment scales (Braden and Norton) and of clinical judgement. To evaluate the impact of effective preventive measures on the predictive validity of the two risk assessment scales. Methods. Of the 1772 participating older patients, 314 were randomly selected and assigned to the ‘turning’ group; 1458 patients were assigned to the ‘non‐turning’ group. Using the Braden and the Norton scale the pressure ulcer risk was scored twice weekly during a four‐week period. Clinical assessment was monitored daily. The patients at risk in the ‘turning’ group (Braden score <17 or Norton score <12) were randomly assigned to a two‐hour turning schedule or to a four‐hour turning schedule in combination with a pressure‐reducing mattress. The ‘non‐turning’ group received preventive care based on the clinical judgement of the nurses. Results. The diagnostic accuracy was similar for both scales. If nurses act according to risk assessment scales, 80% of the patients would unnecessarily receive preventive measures. The use of effective preventive measures decreased the predictive value of the risk assessment scales. Nurses predicted pressure ulcer development less well than the Braden and the Norton scale. Only activity, sensory perception, skin condition and existence of old pressure ulcers were significant predictors of pressure ulcer lesions. Relevance to clinical practice. The effectiveness of the Norton and Braden scales is very low. Much needless work is done and expensive material is wrongly allocated. The use of effective preventive measures decreases the predictive value of the risk assessment scales. Although the performance of the risk assessment scales is poor, using a risk assessment tool seems to be a better alternative than relying on the clinical judgement of the nurses.     

Validity of pressure ulcer risk assessment scales; Cubbin and Jackson, Braden, and Douglas scale

This study was to compare the validity of three pressure ulcer risk tools: Cubbin and Jackson, Braden, and Douglas scales. Data were collected three times per week from 48 to 72 h after admission based on the three pressure ulcer risk assessment scales and skin assessment tool developed by the Panel for the Prediction and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers (1994) from 112 intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a educational hospital Ulsan, Korea during December 11, 2000 to February 10, 2001. When a patient developed a pressure ulcer at the time of assessment, the patient was classified into 'pressure ulcer group', and when patients did not have a pressure ulcer until they died, moved to other wards or were discharged from the hospital, they were classified into 'not pressure ulcer group'. Four indices of validity and area under the curves (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were calculated. Based on the cut-off point presented by the developer, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value were as follows: Cubbin and Jackson scale: 89%, 61%, 51%, 92%, respectively, Braden scale: 97%, 26%, 37%, 95%, respectively, and Douglas scale: 100%, 18%, 34%, 100%, respectively. AUCs of ROC curve were 0.826 for Cubbin and Jackson, 0.707 for Braden, and 0.791 for Douglas. Overall, the Cubbin and Jackson scale showed the best validity among scales tested and we recommended it for this ICU.     

Braden评估表在神经内科卧床患者压疮预防中的应用

目的 评价Braden评估表对神经内科卧床患者压疮的预测效果,探讨压疮分组预防措施效果.方法 选取400例新人院、首次评估无压疮的神经内科卧床患者,应用Braden评估表动态评估发生压疮的危险性,将400例患者按评分分为高危、中危、低危及无危组4组各100例,并分别将高危、中危、低危组随机分为实验组和对照组各50例;对照组采取常规干预措施,高危实验组使用气垫床,中危实验组使用海绵床垫,低危实验组每4 h翻身1次,其他预防措施同对照组,无危险组不采取任何干预措施.结果 Braden评估表在首次和末次评分时ROC曲线下面积分别为0.771和0.828,诊断界值取17分时其对应灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值等指标均能达到较高水平.在分组干预中,高、中、低危实验组分别与对照组比较,各组压疮发生率均无显著差异.结论 Braden评估表对神经内科卧床患者压疮发生有较好的预测效果,17分是较理想的诊断界值.对神经内科压疮高危者采用气挚床、中度危险者采用海绵垫,压疮发生率降低不显著.低危者可采取每4 h翻身1次的方法以减少资源的消耗.     

2种压疮评估量表在患儿中的应用研究

目的 评价并比较Braden Q和Braden 2种压疮评估量表在儿科重症患者中的应用效果,探索区分患儿发生压疮风险的临界值.方法 采用多中心前瞻性队列研究设计,研究地点为3家儿童医院的重症监护室,派遣2名临床护士充当数据收集员,分别负责量表评分和皮肤评估,两者分别独立进行.结果 本次研究收集样本145例,实际发生压疮9例,发生率为6.2%.Braden Q量表和Braden量表的预测临界值分别是17分和14分;而两者的ROC曲线(受试者工作特征曲线)下面积分别为0.481和0.398.结论 Braden Q量表更加适用于儿科患者,且需要进一步研究改进量表.     

Braden评估表在神经内科卧床患者压疮预防中的应用

目的评价Braden评估表对神经内科卧床患者压疮的预测效果,探讨压疮分组预防措施效果。方法选取400例新人院、首次评估无压疮的神经内科卧床患者,应用Braden评估表动态评估发生压疮的危险性,将400例患者按评分分为高危、中危、低危及无危组4组各100例,并分别将高危、中危、低危组随机分为实验组和对照组各50例;对照组采取常规干预措施,高危实验组使用气垫床,中危实验组使用海绵床垫,低危实验组每4h翻身1次,其他预防措施同对照组,无危险组不采取任何干预措施。结果Braden评估表在首次和末次评分时ROC曲线下面积分别为0．771和0．828,诊断界值取17分时其对应灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值等指标均能达到较高水平。在分组干预中,高、中、低危实验组分别与对照组比较,各组压疮发生率均无显著差异。结论Braden评估表对神经内科卧床患者压疮发生有较好的预测效果,17分是较理想的诊断界值。对神经内科压疮高危者采用气垫床、中度危险者采用海绵垫,压疮发生率降低不显著。低危者可采取每4h翻身1次的方法以减少资源的消耗。     

A clinical trial of the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk

The purpose of this article was to describe the protocol by which predictive instruments can be tested for validity and to evaluate the usefulness of an instrument for predicting pressure sore risk in an AICU. The Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk was described. Methods for measuring predictive validity and for calculating sensitivity, specificity, and per cent predictive value of positive and negative tests were discussed. Sixty consecutively admitted AICU patients who were pressure sore free were rated for pressure sore risk within 24 to 72 hours after admission. The skin condition of each patient was systematically assessed every 2 days. Twenty-four subjects developed pressure sores during the study period. The critical cut-off point at which the patient could be judged to be at risk for pressure sore formation was a Braden Scale score equal to or less than 16. The sensitivity and specificity of the scale at this score were 83 to 64 per cent, respectively. The per cent predictive value of a positive and negative test were 61 and 85 per cent, respectively. The Braden Scale compared favorably with the Norton Scale in respect to sensitivity. The specificity, or the tendency of a scale to overpredict, was greater for the Norton than for the Braden Scale. The Norton Scale overpredicted by 64 per cent, whereas the Braden Scale overpredicted by 36 per cent. This difference may be important clinically if all patients who were judged to be at risk received additional nursing care or protective devices. A greater number of patients may receive unnecessary and expensive treatments using the Norton Scale.     

Braden量表预测压疮诊断界值及危险因素的研究

目的探讨Braden量表不同分界值的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值以及压疮发生的相关危险因素。方法将2011年4月至2013年6月住院的65 926例患者中发生压疮的380例患者应用Braden量表进行压疮风险评估。结果①当Braden量表分界值为14分时,其灵敏度、特异度具有最好的平衡性。②神志、白蛋白、中重度水肿、休克(应用血管活性药物)与压疮发生有关。结论应用Braden量表对住院患者的压疮危险因素进行评估时结合压疮发生的相关危险因素,可以使Braden量表有更好的灵敏性、特异性,从而采取相应措施,有效降低住院患者的压疮发生率。     

3种压疮危险评估量表在老年患者中应用的信效度研究

目的 比较和评价Norton、Braden和Waterlow 3种压疮危险评估量表在老年患者中应用的信效度.方法 选取某三级甲等医院老年患者271例,运用3种量表连续评估患者的压疮危险,以Cronbach's α系数、内容效度指数、因子分析、ROC曲线等方法评价和比较各量表的信效度.结果Norton、Braden、Watedow量表的内部一致性信度分别为0.71、0.79、0.32;内容效度指数分别为0.85、0.91、0.87;因子分析得到的方差累计贡献率分别为71.73%、70.34%、65.76%;灵敏度和特异度分别为(0.75、0.62)、(0.74、0.59)、(0.86、0.59).结论 Waterlow量表的内部一致性信度低,但预测能力最好;Braden量表的信效度均高,但预测能力偏低.     

Incidence of pressure ulcers in a neurologic intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES: To determine the risk factors for pressure ulceration in an intensive care setting, to evaluate the Braden scale as a predictor of pressure ulcer risk in critically ill patients, and to determine whether pressure ulcers are likely to occur early in the hospital stay. DESIGN: Cohort study of patients with no preexisting ulcers with a 3-month enrollment period. SETTING: The neurologic intensive care unit and the neurologic intermediate unit at a primary care/referral hospital with a level I trauma center. PATIENTS: A total of 186 patients entered the study. INTERVENTION: Within 12 hrs of admittance, initial assessment, photographs, and Braden score were completed. Patients were re-examined every 4 days or at discharge from the unit, whichever came first. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Determining risk factors for pressure ulcers, performing detailed statistical analyses, and testing the usefulness of the Braden score as a predictor of pressure ulcer risk. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 186 patients developed at least one pressure ulcer (incidence = 12.4%) after an average stay of 6.4 days. The Braden scale, which measures six characteristics of skin condition and patient status, proved to be a primary predictor of ulcer development. No ulcers developed in the 69 patients whose Braden score was 16 or higher. The likelihood of developing a pressure sore was predicted mathematically from the Braden score. However, being underweight was a significant and distinct factor in pressure ulcer development. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure ulcers may develop within the first week of hospitalization in the intensive care unit. Patients at risk have Braden scores of < or = 16 and are more likely to be underweight. These results suggest that aggressive preventive care should be focused on those patients with Braden scores of < or = 13 and/or a low body mass index at admission.     

Pressure ulcer risk assessment immediately after cardiac surgery – does it make a difference? A comparison of three pressure ulcer risk assessment instruments within a cardiac surgery population

The intensive care unit (ICU) population has a high risk of developing pressure ulcers. According to several national expert guidelines for pressure ulcer prevention, a risk assessment for every situation in which the patient's condition is changing should be performed using a standardized risk assessment instrument. The aims of this study were to (a) assess the number of patients who are 'at risk' for the development of pressure ulcer according to three commonly used risk assessment instruments in the intermediate period after cardiac surgery procedures, (b) assess which instrument best fits the situation of the ICU patients and c) decide if 'static' risk assessment with an instrument should be recommended. The modified Norton scale, the Braden scale and the 4-factor model were used in a convenience sample of 53 patients to assess the risk for development of pressure ulcer in the first 5 days (in ICU) after cardiac surgery procedures. The number of patients at risk were >60% by the 4-factor model, >70% by the modified Norton scale and >80% by the Braden scale. Sensitivity and specificity in all scales were not satisfactory. Forty-nine per cent (n= 26) of the patients developed a pressure ulcer in the operating room, 13% (n= 7) up to day 5 in the cardiac surgery ICU. Only 1.9% (n= 1) of the pressure ulcers were stage 2. The study concluded that the patients in the cardiac surgery ICU can be identified as at risk during the first 5 days after surgical procedure without continuously using a standardized risk assessment instrument in every changing condition. Individual risk assessment by a standardized risk assessment instrument is only recommended to enable initiation of preventive measures based on patient-specific risk factors.     

自制神经外科压疮危险因素评估量表与Braden量表信度与效度的比较研究

目的 更准确地评估神经外科患者发生压疮的危险性,降低压疮发生率.方法 采用两个评估量表(即自制神经外科压疮危险因素评估量表和Braden量表)评估500例神经外科患者的压疮危险因素,并进行信度和效度的比较.结果 自制神经外科压疮危险因素评估量表的Cronbach's α为0.941,Braden量表的Cronbach's α为0.743.因子分析结果显示,两个量表的结构效度与原设想的基本一致.预测效度显示,当自制神经外科压疮危险因素评估量表的诊断界值取16分时,灵敏度和特异度分别为89%和78%;当Braden量表取18分时,灵敏度和特异度分别为78%和58%.结论 两种量表均具有较好的内部一致性信度、结构效度和预测效度,但自制神经外科压疮危险因素评估量表优于Braden量表,是适合神经外科患者人群的压疮危险评估工具.     

The Braden Scale for pressure ulcer risk: evaluating the predictive validity in Black and Latino/Hispanic elders.

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive validity of the Braden scale in predicting pressure sore risk and to determine the physiological and nonphysiological variables associated with the prediction of pressure ulcers in Black and Latino/Hispanic elders. A prospective clinical design ws used to conduct the study. Among 74 patients aged 60 years or older, 24 patients (32%) developed either a stage 1 or stage 2 pressure ulcer. Black elders had a higher incidence rate (21%) than Latino/Hispanic elders (11%). A 2-tailed Fisher's exact test revealed that the Braden scale with a cutoff score of 18 was highly associated with predicting Black elders aged 75 years and older who were at risk of developing pressure ulcers (p < or = .011). Sensitivity was 81% and specificity was 100%. The female gender was also a highly significant factor in the development of pressure ulcers (chi 2(1, N = 49) = 6.4, p < or = .011). Overall, the Braden scale was found to be a valid tool in predicting pressure ulcer risk in Black elders aged 75 years or older when a cutoff score of 18 is used.     

Friction and shear highly associated with pressure ulcers of residents in long‐term care – Classification Tree Analysis (CHAID) of Braden items

Aims Among various risk assessment scales for the development of pressure ulcers in long‐term care residents that have been published in the last three decades, the Braden scale is among the most tested and applied tools. The sum score of the scale implies that all items are equally important. The aim of this study is to show whether specific items are of greater significance than others and therefore have a higher clinical relevance. Design Data analysis of six pressure ulcer prevalence studies (2004–2009). Methods A total of 17 666 residents (response rate 79.6%) in 234 long‐term care facilities participated in 6 annual point prevalence studies that were conducted from 2004 to 2009 throughout Germany. For the classification of the sample regarding pressure ulcers as a dependent variable and the Braden items as predictor variables, Chi‐square Automatic Interaction Detector (CHAID) for modelling classification trees has been used. Results Pressure ulcer prevalence was 5.4% including pressure ulcer grade 1 and 3.4% for pressure ulcer grades 2–4. CHAID analysis for the classification tree provided the item ‘friction and shear’ as the most important predictor for pressure ulcer prevalence. On the second level, the strongest predictors were ‘nutrition’ and ‘activity’ and on the third level they were ‘moisture’ and ‘mobility’. Residents with problems regarding ‘friction and shear’ and poor nutritional status present with an 18.0 (14.8) pressure ulcer prevalence which is 3–4 times higher than average. Conclusion CHAID analyses have shown that all items of the Braden scale are not equally important. For residents in long‐term care facilities in Germany, the existence of ‘friction and shear’ as a potential and especially as a manifest problem has had the strongest association with pressure ulcer prevalence.     

Braden scale: validity in community-based older adults receiving home health care.

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Braden Scale and optimal frequency of risk reassessment in older adults receiving home health care. Data were collected from the records of 1,711 nonhospice patients aged 60 years or older who did not have pressure ulcers at the beginning of home health care. Patient records were followed forward chronologically to one of two outcomes: pressure ulcer development or pressure ulcer absence (pressure ulcer free when home health services were no longer required, institutionalization, death, or end of study period). After commencement of home health care, 108 subjects developed a stage I-IV pressure ulcer (incidence = 6.3%). A Braden Scale cutoff score of 19 provided the best measure of sensitivity (61%) and specificity (68%). Findings suggest initial assessment of pressure ulcer risk for older adults should begin on entry into home health care, and they indicate the need for weekly reassessments for the first 4 weeks with every other week reassessments thereafter until day 62, dependent on patient condition and the frequency of home visits. Reassessment with each subsequent 62-day recertification period may be sufficient for patients remaining on the active caseload.     

Braden量表在骨科压疮预防中的应用

目的：预防骨科患者压疮（pressure ulcer）发生。方法：运用Braden量表对骨科住院患者进行压疮危险因素的评估计分,采取分层护理和干预措施,实行层层监控,把压疮护理管理纳入日常考核中。结果：该院可避免压疮发生率为零。结论：Braden量表的使用,提高了预防压疮的有效性,提高了护士预防压疮的主动性,促进了医患关系的和谐发展。     

Pressure ulcers in palliative care: development of a hospice pressure ulcer risk assessment scale

The aim of this study was to construct a pressure ulcer risk assessment scale appropriate for palliative care patients. Risk assessments were performed using the modified Norton scale and nine newly constructed scales, consisting of the modified Norton scale with various changes. Data were collected from 98 patients in a Swedish hospice between April 1999 and September 2000. Pressure ulcer occurrence was registered weekly in the patient record. Increasing age, male gender, physical inactivity, immobility, decreasing food and fluid intake, incontinence, poor general physical condition and lean body constitution were shown to be significant risk factors for development of pressure ulcers in terminally ill cancer patients. After further testing of the data, one scale was found to be superior in identifying patients at risk, with higher validity than the modified Norton scale. The assessment items in this new scale, The Hospice Pressure Ulcer Risk Assessment Scale (in Swedish: Hospice Riskbed?ming Trycks?r, (HoRT)), are physical activity, mobility and age.