INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF PRESSURE ULCERS IN PATIENTS ADMITTED AT A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY SERVICE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are a complication caused by a combination of factors such as humidity, shear, friction and pressure, being a common problem mainly among the elderly population. The objective of this article is to know the reality of the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers in hospital emergency services, in order to raise awareness so that more and more emphasis is given to care aimed at preventing pressure ulcers Methodology: Systematic review of the literature, including scientific articles published between January 2010 and June 2023. Five articles were selected, following the PRISMA guidelines.Results: The articles reveal a high incidence of pressure ulcers in patients admitted to emergency services, namely grade I and II, essentially associated with a prolonged length of stay in the service.Conclusion: Pressure ulcers are a real complication of the prolonged stay of patients in the emergency service, and these discoveries are fundamental to alert to the need to adopt preventive measures as soon as the patients arrive at the emergency service.