Hawk J, Shannon M, et al.
Ostomy/wound management. Date of publication 2018 Apr 1;volume 64(4):30-36.
1. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2018 Apr;64(4):30-36.
Prevalence of Skin Tears in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Chart Review of
Incidence Reports in 6 Long-term Care Facilities.
Hawk J(1), Shannon M(2).
Author information:
(1)Hawk Wound Care Consulting LLC, Pittsburgh, PA.
(2)Shannon Wound Care Consultants LLC, Chicora, PA.
The incidence and prevalence of skin tears in long-term care (LTC) facilities has
not been well established. To ascertain the point prevalence of reported skin
tears, a retrospective review of incident reports was performed in 6 LTC
facilities in western Pennsylvania from November 1, 2016 through December 31,
2016. Report data, including resident age; gender; mobility limitations; skin
tear location, number, and cause (if known); occurrence time (7 am to 3 pm, 3 pm
to 11 pm, or 11 pm to 7 am nursing shift); and history of previous skin tears,
were abstracted. All data were entered into a statistical analysis program and
analyzed using descriptive statistics. Period prevalence was used to determine
prevalence rate; an independent t test was used to compare the presence of skin
tears between genders. Differences between location and cause of skin tears were
evaluated using a multinomial test of related proportions. A test of proportions
was used to evaluate skin tear occurrence time (nursing shift) differences. The
overall point prevalence rate was 9% (N = 1253 residents) ranging from 6 to 28
skin tears per facility. The average age of residents with a skin tear (n = 119)
was 83.5 years. The majority (111, 93%) had mobility limitations. Falls accounted
for 38 skin tears (31.9%), followed by propelling in a wheelchair (18, 15.1%; X2
=7.14; P = .008). Forearm skin tears (37, 31.1%) occurred significantly more
frequently than lower leg skin tears (19, 16%; P = .016). Significantly more skin
tears occurred during the 7 am to 3 pm shift (47, 39.5%) and 3 pm to 11 pm shift
(49, 41.2%) than during the 11 pm to 7 am shift (23, 19.3%; X2 = 5.78; P <.01).
The results of this study confirm skin tears are a significant problem among
elderly residents in LTC, especially because the reported rate is likely lower
than the actual rate. Research to further elucidate the incidence and prevalence
of skin tears and associated risk factors is needed to help develop
evidence-based risk assessment, classification systems, treatment guidelines, and
preventive measures.
PMID: 29718815 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
