Prevalence of skin tears in the extremities in inpatients at a hospital in Denmark

Abstract

The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of skin tears in the extremities and to explore factors associated with development of skin tears in inpatients at a Danish hospital. The study was designed as a point prevalence survey and included 202 patients in the age range 19-99 (mean: 70·7, SD: 16·5). The patients were assessed for presence of skin tears, numbers, locations and previous skin tears. Data were collected using a data collection sheet developed for a previous study. The survey team consisted of four specialist nurses. Data were collected over a period of 24 hours spread over 3 days. Of the 202 patients, 23 had skin tears, yielding a prevalence of 11·4%. In total, 40 skin tears were observed. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that previous skin tears (odds ratio (OR): 9·3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2·6-33·4, P < 0·001), ecchymosis (OR: 5·6, CI: 1·4-23·2, P < 0·017) and risk of falling (OR: 3·8, CI: 1·2-12·0, P < 0·021) were significantly associated with development of skin tears. The prevalence of skin tears in this study (11·4%) matches other international observations. The following risk factors were recognised: previous skin tear, ecchymosis and risk of falling. These factors could be used to identify patients requiring prevention of skin tears.

Prevalence of and risk factors for dermatoporosis: a prospective observational study of dermatology outpatients in a Finnish tertiary care hospital

“…According to a more recent study on a representative sample of the French population ( n = 533) aged 65 years and over, 37.5% of the respondents presented with DP . The prevalence of skin tears is estimated broadly according to studies between 3% and 22% . The aims of our study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors of DP in a cohort of outpatients that attended a dermatological consultation in a university hospital setting.…”

“…9 The prevalence of skin tears is estimated broadly according to studies between 3% and 22%. 10,11 The aims of our study were to assess the prevalence and risk factors of DP in a cohort of outpatients that attended a dermatological consultation in a university hospital setting.…”

Swedish translation and validation of the international skin tear advisory panel skin tear classification system

“…The presence of skin tears is underreported but is believed to be as, or even more, common than pressure ulcers . Among elderly nursing home residents, the prevalence of skin tears has been reported to be 22% and between 6% and 11% in acute care. Carville et al followed patients in elderly care over time and found an incidence of 10.6% …”

ISTAP classification for skin tears: Validation for Brazilian Portuguese

“…In Brazil, also at a tertiary hospital, the ST prevalence was of 3.3% among 157 oncologic patients . A higher value was found in a study conducted in Denmark, with a prevalence of 11.4% in 202 patients admitted at a hospital of the same level . Among studies performed in long‐term care facilities for the elderly, the ST prevalence found was of 3% in Belgium, 4.6% in Denmark, 11.6% in Brazil, and 14.7% in Canada .…”

“…9 A higher value was found in a study conducted in Denmark, with a prevalence of 11.4% in 202 patients admitted at a hospital of the same level. 10 Among studies performed in long-term care facilities for the elderly, the ST prevalence found was of 3% in Belgium, 11 4.6% in Denmark, 12 11.6% in Brazil, 13 and 14.7% in Canada. 14 Some studies have indicated associations between ST occurrence and low scores in the Braden scale.…”