HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PREVENTION OF PRESSURE INJURIES IN CRITICALLY ILL PATIENTS ADMITTED TO INTENSIVE CARE UNITS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Pressure injuries (PIs) are an important indicator of the quality of care provided by healthcare professionals, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs), where patients are highly vulnerable. Despite advances in technologies aimed at prevention, high rates of these injuries remain evident. This study aims to analyze, through an integrative review, how health technologies have been used to prevent pressure injuries in critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units, as well as to identify the challenges that contribute to their continued occurrence. The research was conducted using indexed databases, primarily the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem (REBEn), and Virtual Health Library (VHL). A historical time frame of eight years was established, including articles published between 2016 and 2024. The results highlight tools such as the Braden Scale, the implementation of best practices, and materials designed to protect and predict skin integrity, which contribute to reducing the risk of pressure injuries. However, factors such as nursing staff overload, failures in the use of protocols, and weaknesses in the patient safety culture limit their effectiveness. Therefore, technology alone does not ensure prevention, making scientific and technical training essential for the provision of appropriate care.