Pressure sores surge: The Covid 19 effect

World Congress on SURGERY, SURGEONS AND ANESTHESIA

November 29-30, 2021 Webinar

Tomisin Omogbehin, Caroline Hing, Ross Comber

St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Surgery

Abstract :

Background: Pressure ulcers constitute a major complication of prolonged bed lie. It worsens surgical outcomes and quality of life. This study compares the incidence and severity of pressure ulcers before and after the COVID 19 pandemic. Methods: This is a Single centre retrospective study performed at a level-one London Major Trauma Centre in the UK. We reviewed the pressure ulcer database between April 2017 to April 2021 and compared the annual incidence by the UK financial year. Result: We identified 462 patients presenting with pressure ulcers with 59.5 % (275) of diagnosis made within the 2020-2021 financial year. Grade 2 pressure ulcers were at its highest in 2020-2021 financial year 165/275 (60%). Non ICU areas saw an increase in number of patients developing pressure sores 385/462 (83.3%). Although both ICU and Non-ICU areas witnessed rising number of pressure ulcer diagnosis, Non-ICU areas 385/462 (83.3%) had the highest number throughout the studied period. Conclusion: Over the years, there is a steady rise in pressure ulcer incidence. Since covid 19, there has been a significant rise in rate of pressure ulcer cases in both ICU and Non-ICU areas.