Pressure ulcer risk profiles of hospitalized patients based on the Braden scale: a cluster analysis

© 2022 John Wiley & Sons Australia, LtdAim: The aim of this work is to identify the pressure ulcer risk profiles of hospitalized patients with reference to Braden Scale subscales. Methods: A total of 2996 hospitalized Portuguese participants were screened using the Braden Scale. A hierarchical and nonhierarchical cluster analysis was conducted, with ethical approval. Results: Five risk profiles (clusters) based on the first risk assessments were identified. Regarding the Braden Scale total score, two profiles with high risk and three profiles with low risk of pressure ulcer development were identified. All clusters were statistically significantly different in terms of sociodemographic and clinical variables. When the first and the last risk assessments were compared, all the clusters improved the Braden Scale total score on the last risk assessment, except Cluster 4 (low-risk category). Clusters 3, 4 and 5, which were classified as low risk, decreased in several Braden subscales at the last risk assessment. Conclusions: The classification of low risk may misguide the early identification of patients with individual risk factors. Increasing the awareness of health care professionals for the importance of risk assessment of each Braden subscale is necessary for pressure ulcer prevention. We recommend the implementation of strategies for early identification of patients at risk at local and national levels.SG had a scholarship from University of Lisbon (BD2016/609). MP had a scholarship from Foundation for Science and Technology (SFRH/BD/122219/2016).