Reduction of the Incidence of Pressure Sores by an Education Program on Nursing Care
Vijitr Srisupan DrPH*, Wilawan Senaratana MPH*, Wilawan Picheansatian MPH*, Jittaporn Chittreecheur MSc*, Malinee Watanakool MNS*, Pratin Chaisri BSc*, Laddawan Singhakumfu PhD*, Chanwit Tribuddharat PhD**, Somwang Danchaivijitr MD***
Affiliation : *Faculty of Nursing, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, **Department of Microbiology, ***Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok
Objectives : To determine whether an education and campaign program would reduce the incidence of
pressure sores.
Materials and Methods : The study was performed in a 1,400-bed teaching hospital in Thailand with a total
number of 697 patients from 47 wards for a point prevalence study ; 1,201 and 1,268 patients from 12 wards
to determine whether reduction of pressure sore occurrence would be obtained by an education program.
Results : The point prevalence of pressure sores was 10.8%. The significant risk factors were age older than 60
years, fecal incontinence, and history of diarrhea. The occurrence of pressure sores was significantly reduced
after the educational program from 9.91% to 5.76%. The education on patient care aiming at reduction of the
occurrence of pressure sores could be adopted nation-wide in order to reduce the morbidity, mortality and
expenses.
Conclusion : The education program was effective in reducing the incidence of pressure sores.
Keywords : Incidence, Pressure sores, Education, Nursing care
