Impact of Pressure Ulcers on Therapeutic Outcomes in Inpatient Physiotherapy Services.

ABSTRACT

Pressure ulcers have been associated with an extended length of hospitalization, sepsis and mortality. Over the last few decades, little has been written about the impact of pressure ulcers on therapeutic outcomes in inpatient physiotherapy services. It is obvious that critically ill patients, who are sedated, ventilated, patients with chronic neurological, musculoskeletal and cardio-respiratory disorders who are bed ridden for prolonged period of time are particularly at risk of developing skin breakdown. This will help in identifying barriers to patient participation and develop strategies to pressure ulcer prevention. We wanted to determine the impact of pressure ulcers on therapeutic outcomes in inpatient physiotherapy services. MethodsThe study was conducted from June 2015 to January 2016. The impact of pressure ulcer on inpatient physiotherapy services was determined by detailed physical assessment, evaluation with Functional Independence Measure score (FIM) and Braden Q Scale. A total 96 subjects were assessed during this time. ResultsThere was statistically significant impact of pressure ulcers on therapeutic outcomes in inpatient physiotherapy services. The FIM takes into consideration self-care, sphincter control, transfers, locomotion, communication social cognition. A poor score denotes poor outcome at discharge. Tissue level assessment was carried out by using Braden Q Scale, a poor score of which again denotes very poor outcome in mobility, activity, sensory perception, moisture, friction – shear, nutrition, tissue perfusion and oxygenation. ConclusionsPressure ulcer is one of the preventable problems; but in majority of cases it becomes the main reason for poor therapeutic outcome.