Aim of the research:

To assess the relationship between selected determinants of the incidence of bedsores and their actual occurrence among inpatients in long-term care.

Material and methods:

This prospective observational study involved 47 patients of an inpatient long-term care centre. An estimation method was used. A primary assessment (study 0) and a secondary assessment (study1) were conducted over 4 weeks. Study data were collected by means of a scientific questionnaire, which used clinical tools in addition to sociodemographic data and vital signs assessment: the Barthel scale, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Nutritional Risk Index (NRI), body mass index (BMI), and the Braden pressure ulcer risk scale.

Results:

There was a correlation in terms of comorbidities and the incidence of pressure sores. A correlation was confirmed between the incidence of pressure sores, renal failure (p = 0.026), and cardiovascular failure (p = 0.030). An association was observed between albumin levels in the group of residents with and without bedsores (p < 0.001). The albumin level in the second measurement was higher in the group of patients without pressure sores (p < 0.001). There was also a correlation found in the assessment of the degree of self-care and the occurrence of pressure sores (p < 0.004).

Conclusions:

Hypoalbuminaemia and immobilisation in the course of chronic diseases increase the risk of pressure ulcers in the long-term care group. The implementation of multidirectional and interdisciplinary prevention is a fundamental pillar of professional care for the chronically ill.