Predictive validity of the Braden Scale for patients in intensive care

Objectives: To evaluate the predictive validity of the Braden Scale scores in patients in an intensive care unit and to describe the preventive measures implemented by the nursing staff. Methods: A prospective, descriptive study with data collected from medical records, physical examination, and application of the Braden Scale in 23 patients. Results: The results of tests of predictive validity produced scores of 14, 13 and 12 with the most efficient in predicting risk for pressure ulcers, in the first, second and third assessments, with their respective values of sensitivity (95%, 95% and 94%) and specificity (45%, 55% and 77%). Conclusion: We concluded that the Braden Scale is an efficient tool for early identification of risk and to support the development of a plan of care to prevent skin damage in critically ill patients.