Completed Research Project
The prevalence of skin tears within an acute care setting in Western Australia
Investigators: Morey P, Young J & Nikoletti S.
Funding: Nil.
Abstract: Skin tears are known to be a major problem in the aged care setting; however a review of the literature showed there has been little published research on skin tears within the acute care setting. A skin prevalence survey was undertaken in conjunction with the 2002 pressure ulcer survey on 417 patients and findings revealed a prevalence of 9% (n = 39) with a total of 72 skin tears present. The age of patients with skin tears ranged from 36 to 101 years with a mean of 83 years (SD=12) and the majority of patients were emergency medical cases. Most skin tears occurred on the upper limbs (n=27; 38%). A significant difference was noted with regard to admission type, with emergency patients reporting the greatest percentage of skin tears compared with elective patients (p = 0.024). Results of this survey highlighted the need for education about the risk and prevention of skin tears in the tertiary hospital setting. This preliminary study has also enabled a hospital benchmark to be established.
