Risk and associated factors of pressure ulcers in hospitalized children over 1 year of age

Purpose This study aimed to identify factors for the development of pressure ulcers (PU) in hospitalized patients between 1 and 18 years of age. Design and MethodsA multicenter, descriptive, cross-sectional study in 13 hospitals was conducted in Switzerland. ResultsThe prevalence of PUs in this population of 204 children was 26.5%, with 83% category 1 PUs. A third of all PUs developed along external devices. Older children developed more PUs because of ineffective positioning and limited mobility. Practice ImplicationsIt is important to assess each child's activity, mobility, and the risk associated with the use of external devices