Comparison of risk assessment scales for pressure ulcers in critically ill patients

Objective: To compare the Norton, Braden and Waterlow scales of risk for pressure ulcer in critically ill patients. Methods: An exploratory and longitudinal study covering 42 patients who were evaluated for 15 days or at least 10 consecutive clays, in three intensive care units within Fortaleza, Brazil, from March to July 2009. Each patient was evaluated, simultaneously, by three nurses, each of whom was responsible for the application of only one of the scales. Results: There was a 59.5% incidence of ulcers and an increase in score of Norton (p = 0.028) and Braden (p = 0.004) scales, between the 1(st)-15(th) day, and the Waterlow (p = 0.005) between the 1(st)-10(th). When compared to Norton and Braden, the Waterlow scores steadily increased (p<0.001). Patients with high and very high risk, 2% and 92%, respectively, developed ulcers (p = 0.005). Conclusion: The Waterlow scale showed higher scores in the risk assessment for pressure ulcers in relation to the Norton and Braden scales.